The Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) was founded in the late 1970s. Its purpose was to bring together allied air forces to train in joint operations while developing leaders capable of planning and executing challenging multinational air defence and air strike missions. The TLP is an independent organisation based on a Memorandum of Understanding between the air forces of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. Over the years, several other nations have also been invited to participate as guest countries.
The first TLP was held at Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base, Germany, in January 1978. This inaugural course was purely academic. In September 1979, the TLP moved to Jever Air Base, where a flying phase was added to the academic programme. By the time the TLP left Jever in 1988, a total of 71 courses had been completed and more than 1,900 aircrew members had been trained.

TLP 2009-3
The first participants of TLP 2009-3 arrived on Monday 4 May, while the final detachments departed on Friday 29 May. This marked the end of an era, as the TLP moved to Albacete Air Base, Spain, after twenty years at Florennes. Almost all TLP member nations were represented during this memorable final edition, with Germany being the only notable absentee. In total, ten nations participated.
The Belgian Air Force deployed eight F-16s from Florennes and Kleine-Brogel. The Czech Air Force sent five L-159As from Čáslav Air Base. The French Air Force contributed three Mirage 2000Ds from Nancy and two Mirage 2000Ns from Luxieul, while the French Navy deployed three Super Étendards from Landivisiau.The Hellenic Air Force sent four F-16Cs from Larissa Air Base. As usual, the Italian Air Force operated two different aircraft types, deploying two F-16As from Trapani Air Base and two Tornado IDSs from Piacenza. For the third consecutive TLP, the Polish Air Force returned to Florennes with three F-16s: two single-seat F-16Cs and one two-seat F-16D. The Royal Air Force fielded a modest detachment consisting of two Hawks from RAF Leeming. The Royal Netherlands Air Force returned with four F-16As from Volkel and Leeuwarden Air Bases. Spain participated with two EF-2000 Typhoons from Morón Air Base. Finally, the United States Air Force deployed four F-16Cs from Spangdahlem Air Base.

The participants
Belgian Air Force with F-16A/B from 2 and 10 Wing
Czech Air Force with L-159A from 212 Tl.
French Air Force with Mirage 2000D from EC 01.003, EC 02.003 and EC 03.003 and Mirage 2000N from EC 01.004
French Navy with Super Etendard from Flotille 17
Hellenic Air Force with F-16C from 346 Mira
Italian Air Force with F-16A from 37 Stormo and Tornado IDS from 50 Stormo
Polish Air Force with F-16C/D from 31 Blt.
Royal Air Force with Hawk T.1A from 100 Sqn.
Royal Netherlands Air Force with F-16A from 311, 312 and 322 Sqn.
Spanish Air Force with EF-2000 from Ala 11
USAF with F-16C from 22^nd FS