JAPCC Capstone DocumentJune 2020

Joint Air Power Competence Centre

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DisclaimerThe Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) Capstone Document is a product of the JAPCC. The purpose of this Capstone Document is to inform the members of the JAPCC, NATO organizations, Sponsoring Nations, contemporary organizations, academia and to whom it may concern about the ‘raison d’être’ of the JAPCC. It does not represent the opinions or policies of NATO and refl ects independent analysis, opinion and the position of its authors.

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Table of Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................7

Value to NATO ....................................................................................................................................9

Director’s Vision .............................................................................................................................11

Mission ................................................................................................................................................11

Guiding Principles ........................................................................................................................11

JAPCC Focus Areas.......................................................................................................................13

Organization ....................................................................................................................................19

Programme of Work ....................................................................................................................23

Planning and Control .................................................................................................................25

Summary ...........................................................................................................................................25

JAPCC | Capstone Document | Table of Contents 3

This synergistic application of air, space and information systems from and for all services to project military power is

summarised with the term ‘Joint Air Power’.

If Joint Air Power is to reach its full potential, all aspects of warfare have to be continuously re-examined

from the multi-dimensional air and space perspective.

Concept for the Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC)

Ministry of Defence, Bonn, 31 July 2003

4 JAPCC | Capstone Document

The Director JAPCC will enjoy a much needed and unique, central and strategic-level competence in all areas

of Air and Space Power.

He is positioned and empowered to join efforts and capabilities of ACT and ACO with the opportunity to achieve

milestone advancements of Air and Space Power for the benefit of all services, branches and components in

operations, and in combined and joint campaigns.

Lieutenant General Klaus-Peter Stieglitz Chief of Staff, German Air Force

6 December 2004*

*Activation Request as IMO and accreditation as COE (JAPCC) and Deactivation Request (RFAS), formal letter from German Air Force Chief of Staff to Director,

International Military Staff, 6 Dec. 2004.

5JAPCC | Capstone Document

Central and strategic-level competence in all areas of Air and

Space Power.

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6 JAPCC | Capstone Document | Introduction

IntroductionThe Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) was formally established on 1 January 2005 to provide the strategic level proponent for Joint Air and Space Power that was missing in NATO. Soon thereafter, JAPCC was accredited as NATO’s first Centre of Excellence (COE) and, as such, is charged with the development of innovative concepts and solutions required for the transformation of Joint Air and Space Power within the Alliance and the Nations.

Based on two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), the JAPCC is spon sored by 16 NATO nations who provide a variety of experienced Subject Matter Experts (SME) that come from all services. Through its multi-discipline organization, the JAPCC chooses the most suitable SMEs for the task and combines their knowledge and experience to fully contribute to transfor-ming NATO’s Air and Space Power. Importantly, as the JAPCC is in support of, but outside of the NATO Command Structure, it can offer independent objective military advice across the spectrum of Joint Air and Space Power matters to NATO and national policy making bodies.

The JAPCC’s primary customers include NATO Headquarters, Allied Com-mand Operations, Allied Command Transformation, NATO Joint Force Commands, Component Commands and sponsoring nations. However, the JAPCC also accepts Requests for Support (RfS) from other sources as workload and staff availability permit. With a track record of successful products and ever-increasing connections to industry and academia, the JAPCC continues to build upon its reputation as NATO’s preeminent advocate for the transformation of Joint Air and Space Power.

JAPCC | Capstone Document | Introduction 7

Communicate innovative

visions, concepts and solutions for the

transformational process.

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8 JAPCC | Capstone Document | Value to NATO

Value to NATO‘The JAPCC is an excellent example of a mature COE that has continuously

proven to be a valuable asset to NATO. It is widely recognized as the leading

knowledge and expertise provider in its specialised field of Joint Air and Space

Power, providing NATO, Sponsoring Nations and other military and civilian

institutions with operational and in support of transformation expertise.’*

The Director, JAPCC is also the Commander of NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) and serves in these capacities as a principal advisor to both SACEUR and SACT for all matters concerning the development, transfor-mation, and employment of Joint Air and Space Power. It is therefore a natural fit that the JAPCC is positioned to provide direct support to the Alliance on Joint Air and Space Power matters in the form of advice to and through AIRCOM as well as independently through its projects, discussion forums, written products and direct engagement with NATO HQ and the Bi-Strategic Commands.

Key decision-makers require innovative solutions to improve interoperabil-ity and transform NATO Joint Air and Space Power, with ever-decreasing resources, to meet future challenges. Rather than focusing purely on force structure, the JAPCC advocates the development of existing capabilities and generation of new capabilities to support the concepts of force effi-ciency and force effectiveness.

With NATO as its primary customer, the JAPCC continues to deliver valu-able warfare development expertise, especially in the areas of doctrine and concept development, analysis, lessons learned, education, training, exercises and interoperability.

*HQ SACT Periodic Assessment Report for The Joint Air Power Competence Centre, Enclosure 1 to HQ / SACT / JFC / COE PD / TT-2126 / SER:NU0560, 11 Mar. 2020.

JAPCC | Capstone Document | Value to NATO 9

NATO’s catalyst for the

improvement and transformation

of Joint Air and Space Power.

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10 JAPCC | Capstone Document | Vision, Mission, Guiding Principles

Director’s VisionTo be NATO’s catalyst for the improvement and transformation of Joint Air and Space Power, delivering effective solutions through independent thought and analysis.

MissionThe JAPCC, as a team of multinational experts, is to provide key decision-makers effective solutions on Joint Air and Space Power challenges, in order to safeguard NATO and the Nations’ interests.

Guiding Principles• Contribute Joint Air and Space Power expertise to Alliance decision-

making processes through active leadership of and participation in NATO committees, Working Groups and forums.

• Promote and showcase the effectiveness and relevance of Joint Air and Space Power as a critical element in Air, Land and Maritime operations.

• Partner with relevant NATO entities and nations to promote and syn-chronize output and products.

JAPCC | Capstone Document | Vision, Mission, Guiding Principles 11

Focusing our Human Capital

on NATO’s Priority Capability Areas.

12 JAPCC | Capstone Document | JAPCC Focus Areas

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JAPCC Focus Areas

Joint All-Domain Operations and C2 (Air C2, Tactical C2, Air-Maritime Integration, etc.)

The speed and lethality of modern systems demand technological solu-tions that enable operations at the speed of relevance and real-time battle space management in all domains, especially the confined and con-gested land / maritime areas of operations that characterize much of NATO territory. Getting C2 ‘right’ across the domains is a critical first step towards the development of Joint All-Domain C2.

Space Support in Operations

The employment of Joint Air Power across the Air, Land and Maritime domains has become inextricably dependent on Space and Space-based capabilities. With the recent recognition by NATO of Space as an oper ational domain, JAPCC will support the Initial Implementation Plan and continue to contribute to coordination of Education and Training, support Exercises, and recommend ways to ensure Operational Space Support to NATO, improve Space Domain Coordination and develop Space Domain Awareness.

Cyberspace Integration

Cyberspace is not only a domain through which Joint Air and Space oper-ational and C2 forces operate, it has become an operational domain of its own. JAPCC promotes and influences the development of Cyberspace doctrine, policy, operational concepts and capabilities with a focus on the

JAPCC | Capstone Document | JAPCC Focus Areas 13

integration with NATO Joint Air and Space Power. The Centre also sup-ports the evolution and development of Cyberspace as an Operational Domain particularly as it relates to and integrates with NATO Joint Air and Space Power.

Rotary Wing / Vertical Lift Transformation

The future physical operating environment and rapidly advancing urba-nization point to an increasing need for capable and survivable Rotary Wing and Vertical Lift. Standardization of equipment, training, tactics and procedures is critical.

Integrated Air and Missile Defence

NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (NATO IAMD) is an essential, continuous mission in peacetime, crisis and conflict. JAPCC is supporting IAMD policy and doctrine development, especially the Surface Based Air and Missile Defence facet. JAPCC is involved in IAMD exercises, experi-ments and studies to advance this cornerstone of NATO’s deterrence.

Logistics Support to Air Operations (Logistics, Air Transport / AAR)

Air-to-Air Refuelling, Air Transport, and Aircraft Cross-Servicing are all critical enablers for not only collective defence and enhanced deterrence, but also for conducting and sustaining out of area operations. Airfield and Space ground station logistics at sovereign as well as deployed sites are also im-portant yet vulnerable to new methods of interdiction via the Space and

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Cyberspace domains. Improving interoperability between nations and standard izing operating procedures and security protocols is necessary to ensure Logistics continues to be an enabler and force multiplier.

Force Protection

Threats against both command and force structures continuously evolve in all domains, and so must our tactics, techniques and procedures to defend against them. Continuous work is needed to analyze threats, create new, and update existing practices, and to identify and leverage technologies that can be employed to counter a broad spectrum of threats against air-fields, Space ground infrastructure, supply lines and out of area locations.

Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (SEAD / EW / Mission Data)

JAPCC is assisting with the development of NATO policy and doctrine in the area of Electromagnetic Operations (EMO) to ensure the synchroniza-tion in the areas of Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD), Electronic Warfare (EW), Cyberspace Operations and Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR).

Joint ISR and Big Data Management

The development of concepts within NATO related to Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) by publication of thoughts and opin-ions is supported. This is accomplished through researching to support con-cept development, standardization and doctrine, education and train ing. Moreover, JAPCC promotes the evolution of NATO ISR policy by studying new methods of data fusion and analysis based on new technologies.

JAPCC | Capstone Document | JAPCC Focus Areas16

Unmanned Air Systems / Countering Unmanned Air Systems

Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) present opportunities to improve capabili-ties across the range of military operations, with potential legal and ethi-cal challenges. JAPCC supports the development of NATO policy and doctrine addressing the full range of UAS, including Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles. We address not only Alliance use of these systems but also the challenges when having to counter them.

Emerging Technologies (5th Generation Integration, AI, Hypersonic Weapons, etc.)

New technologies may advance existing capabilities in an evolutionarily way or enable disruptive developments. In particular, game-changing technologies and the challenges they pose have to be understood and taken into account when we build and prepare our forces and their Com-mand & Control. JAPCC is poised to enquire how artificial intelligence, and other technological advancements may challenge the traditional way of posturing and employing our air and space capabilities.

Resilient Basing

NATO faces a 360-degree threat environment spanning the range of inten-sity from Violent Extremist Organisations to Peer Competitors. Modern technology is constantly introducing new threat vectors through evolving traditional kinetic military capabilities as well as via the Space and Cyber-space Domains. Greater and more insidious threats to our main operating bases and force structure dictate a need to develop, and in some cases re-learn, how the Alliance can distribute and disperse both force and C2 structure for survivability and resiliency.

JAPCC | Capstone Document | JAPCC Focus Areas 17

Develop deeper understanding,

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18 JAPCC | Capstone Document | Organization

Organization‘It’s all about people.’ The JAPCC’s level of excellence is derived from its people and their individual and collective competencies. The JAPCC con-sists of a joint and multinational team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) covering a broad spectrum of Air and Space Power competencies. The JAPCC places high demands upon its personnel: they should be proficient in both written and oral English; preferably Staff / War College graduates; and have recent operational experience. Together, the team generates a  cumulative capability able to meet the expectations of NATO and the Sponsoring Nations. The JAPCC’s multinational composition presents a tremendous opportunity to reach back and link personnel to national networks and knowledge which allows the expeditious exploration and research of issues.

The JAPCC organizational structure reflects its multinational composi-tion. The post of JAPCC Director is held by the Commander NATO Allied Air Command and the post of Executive Director is held by the Commander German Air Operations Command. The Assistant Director is responsible for the day-to-day running of the JAPCC. The JAPCC has five branches com-prising: one functional branch, the Assessment, Coordination and Engage-ment (ACE) Branch; and four capability-based branches, Combat Air (CA), Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveil-lance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), Air Operations Support (AOS), and a recently established Space Branch, intended to accommodate the increas-ing workload in this newly-designated Domain.

The JAPCC’s Peacetime Establishment comprises 89 posts. Any shortfall in expertise is compensated for, where possible, through external consul-tancy, contracted where appropriate. The JAPCC works closely with the SNs to fill its establishment with the appropriate SMEs in order to meet the Programme of Work.

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NETWORK OF NETWORKS

MULTI NATIONAL

MULTI SERVICE

MULTI DISCIPLINARY

The unique structure of the JAPCC lends itself to the Centre’s ability to research and develop solutions to complex Joint Air and Space Power issues, including but not limited to: Joint All-Domain Operations and Com-mand and Control, Integrated Air and Missile Defence, Red Air Opposing Force scenario development and execution in support of the NATO Joint Warfare Centre, Counter-UAS, and Component Integration Challenges to Countering High-End Threats (A2AD).

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Promote and showcase the

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JAPCC | Capstone Document | Programme of Work22

Programme of WorkThe JAPCC’s Programme of Work (PoW) is comprised of Projects, Activities and Tasks which drive the organization’s Battle Rhythm and delivers the output. The PoW is dynamic in nature and can be adjusted monthly based upon the receipt and endorsement of a Request for Support (RfS). In addi-tion, the JAPCC hosts a number of major events that drive the internal Battle Rhythm. These include an annual Joint Air and Space Power Con-ference, the Maritime-Air Coordination Conference (MACC), the JAPCC Steering Committee (SC), the Senior Resource Committee (SRC), the Think Tank Forum (TTF) and Joint Air and Space Power Network (JASPN) meetings, and the publication twice per year of our Journal, Transforming

Joint Air and Space Power. These events are a considerable part of the PoW and have priority over other elements of the PoW.

Projects. A JAPCC project provides solutions to Joint Air and Space Power challenges received from a key decision-maker through an RfS. A project can also be internally generated based on Lessons Identified, or through other engagement avenues. These internally generated projects normally will not commence until an external sponsor is identified.

Activities. Activities form the bulk of the JAPCC’s PoW and consist of recurring or enduring tasks in support of a key decision-maker. Activities are normally pre-planned within the JAPCC annual calendar. Examples of activities are the custodianship of NATO Doctrine (Allied Joint / Tactical Publications) and the Chairmanship of a NATO Working Group.

Tasks. A task differs from an activity in its periodicity, usually comprising a single non-recurrent event (e.g. speaking or presenting to a conference at which JAPCC expertise is requested). The (sometimes) random nature of a task often precludes scheduled planning within the PoW.

JAPCC | Capstone Document | Programme of Work 23

Be NATO’s recognized champion for the advocacy

and transformation of Joint Air and

Space Power.

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JAPCC | Capstone Document | Planning and Control, Summary24

Planning and ControlThe scope and complexity of the PoW requires close control of the avail-able resources. Tasks are managed during the weekly leadership meeting. The results of the Planning and Control process are reported to the SNs at the JAPCC Steering Committee and the Senior Resources Committee.

An Annual Report is produced which is circulated to a wide audience (e.g. NATO headquarters and selected academia). The Annual Report is also available from the JAPCC website (www.japcc.org/reports). The JAPCC’s reports are critical tools for communicating the output of the JAPCC inter-nally as well as externally.

SummaryAlliance decision-makers require innovative solutions to address the improvement and transformation of NATO Joint Air and Space Power. Rather than focusing purely on force structures, the JAPCC advocates the development of existing capabilities and generation of new capabilities to support the concepts of force efficiency and force effectiveness.

The JAPCC is NATO’s premier Centre of Excellence for the improvement and transformation of Allied Joint Air and Space Power; continuing to deliver effective solutions through independent thought and analysis now and into the future.

Note: This Capstone Document was approved by the JAPCC Sponsoring Nations

on 17 June 2020 at the Steering Committee meeting in Kalkar, Germany.

JAPCC | Capstone Document | Planning and Control, Summary 25

Notes

JAPCC | Capstone Document | Notes26

Joint Air Power Competence Centrevon-Seydlitz-Kaserne Römerstraße 140 | 47546 Kalkar (Germany) | www.japcc.org