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RAMSTEIN, Germany – On November 19, 2020, Allied Air Command signed the Operational Cooperation Plan with the Competence Centre for Surface Based Air & Missile Defence (CC SBAMD) laying out joint areas for cooperation and support activities.

This agreement formally describes relationship between the CC SBAMD and Allied Air Command and details how and in which areas the partners will conduct day to day cooperation. "Ratifying this plan further strengthens the existing close cooperation between both partners," said Colonel Jan Blom, Director CCSBAMD after the joint signing with Major General Karsten Stoye, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Allied Air Command. 

Ratifying this plan further strengthens the existing close cooperation between both partners

CC SBAMD is a binational cooperation sponsored by the Netherlands and Germany and has a team of 20 personnel from across the nations' Air Force, Army and Navy; it is co-located with Headquarters Allied Air Command at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The mission of the CC SBAMD is to provide joint expertise, operational level capabilities and training for advancing the Surface Bases Air & Missile Defence discipline within the Integrated Air & Missile Defence domain.

Major General Karsten Stoye, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Allied Air Command
signing the cooperation plan. Photo by Sebastien Raffin.

Their yearly programme sees them supporting NATO in the development and review of policy and doctrine, carrying out training courses within the SBAMD discipline up to the operational planning level and also supporting NATO operational theatre ballistic missile defence and exercises. This cooperation strengthens NATO's ability to maintain a robust Integrated Air & Missile Defence, ensuring NATO personnel are trained and ready to counter any emerging threats in this area.