In theory, the alignment of aircraft models between the United States and Europe, such as the F-35 and F-16, should enhance operational efficiency through shared spare parts, mechanics, and ground support equipment. However, a report from the Rand Corporation, released in September 2023, warns that the reality is more complex. Variants within the same model, differing support equipment, and a lack of shared data hinder interoperability among NATO allies.
The situation is especially problematic for ground equipment. The report indicates that some nations utilize U.S.-standard support equipment (SE), while others develop their own, which may only be partially compatible. Notably, countries like Poland, Slovakia, and Bulgaria have historically operated Soviet-era fighters, such as the MiG-29, with support equipment that is not designed for Western aircraft, complicating alliances.
Beyond logistical challenges, the U.S. Air Force’s Agile Employment Concept (ACE) emphasizes the need for mobility and flexibility, advocating for fighter squadrons to operate from dispersed airbases. The report highlights that servicing U.S. military planes by local mechanics at Dutch or Polish airfields, without requiring dedicated U.S. maintenance crews, could enhance agility and scalability in operations.
Commissioned in 2024 based on concerns over ACE and interoperability, the Rand study initially focused on cross-servicing of F-35s. However, as U.S. policies were amended to facilitate F-35 cross-servicing, the scope expanded to include the F-16 and the support equipment of European partners.
Cross-servicing issues between European nations also pose a significant challenge. An example provided in the report illustrates that Portuguese F-16s, when deployed to Lithuania (nearly 1,700 miles away), would likely require aerial refueling. If these jets could refuel at airbases in neighboring countries and undergo quick inspections after each landing, they could reach their destinations faster without needing tankers.
The Rand report also identifies the U.S.’s role in the interoperability challenges. Security concerns inhibit allied nations from cross-servicing F-35s, while varying policies across U.S. fighter wings regarding the use of allied support equipment exacerbate the situation. Furthermore, the lack of shared information and communication has been detrimental. For instance, the report notes a communication gap among various stakeholders, including USAFE wings, HQ USAFE, and organizations like the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC).
A parallel Rand study published in September identified additional cooperation issues among partner nations regarding aircraft arresting systems, fire and emergency services, and airbase protection post-attack.
To address these interoperability challenges, Rand recommends that the U.S. Air Force create dedicated units specifically focused on overseeing interoperability with allies. This proposed coordination cell need not be large, but it should have a clear mandate, maintain regular interaction with headquarters and wings, and have access to relevant data.
The resolutions to these challenges promise significant advantages for the U.S. and NATO air forces. Patrick Mills, co-author of the two Rand studies, emphasized that improving interoperability would enhance European airpower’s agility in crises. Currently, the resource-intensive nature of fighter operations necessitates that each nation replicate base support and skilled maintainers. Integrated allied fleets could mitigate the fragility of individual capabilities, making collective defense more robust.
