TLP 2005-1; Norwegians feel at home in winters’ Florennes


The Tactical Leadership Programme was founded in the late 19seventies. Its purpose was to join allied forces and train together in joint operations, but also to generate leaders for challenging multinational air defence and air strike missions. The TLP is a standalone organization 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 of America. During the years other nations have been invited as guests to participate.
The first TLP ever was held at Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base, Germany, in January 1978, but this first edition was strictly academic. The TLP moved to Jever AB, Germany, in September 1979 and the academic course was extended with a flying phase. When the TLP left Jever in 1988, 71 courses were held there and over 1900 aircrews were trained. Florennes AB in Belgium was appointed as the new homebase for the TLP, and hosted its first TLP in March 1989. The TLP stayed at Florennes until July 2009, when the exercise moved to Albacete, Spain, where weather conditions are far better and the aircrews have a large airspace structure to their usage. 

TLP 2005-1
The first participants arrived on Friday 7 January and the last participants departed on Friday 4 February. This edition was held in winter’s conditions with snow on a few days. One of the highlights was the presence of 801 Squadron of the Royal Navy with 5 Sea Harrier F/A.2. Four countries participated with F-16’s. The Belgian Air Force with 7 Vipers, the Royal Netherlands Air Force and the Royal Norwegian Air Force with each four and the USAF with four Spangdahlem Vipers.

The participants:
Belgian Air Force with F-16A from 2 and 10 Wing
French Air Force with Mirage 2000C from EC 01.012 and EC 02.012 and with Jaguar A from EC 01.007
German Air Force with Tornado IDS from JBG-31
Royal Netherlands Air Force with F-16A from 312, 322 and 323 Squadron
Royal Norwegian Air Force with F-16A from 338 Skv.
Royal Air Force with Tornado GR.4A from 2 Sqn.
Royal Navy with Sea Harrier F/A.2 with 801 Sqn.
USAF with F-16C from 22nd FS and 23rd FS