POGGIO RENATICO, Italy - From March 17 to 21, 2025, the Deployable Air Command and Control Centre (DACCC) hosted the third iteration of the Offensive Air Operations Conference. The key focus this year was on the implication of the Future Air C2 Model and Lessons Identified from recent major NATO exercises.
More than 30 participants from across NATO gathered in Poggio Renatica, Italy, for discussions around the global implications of future Air Command and Control (C2) capabilities, Composite Air Operation planning and execution requirements, as well as 5th Generation aircraft and Stand Off Weapon employment considerations.
The exchange of ideas among subject matter experts at all levels and specialties lays the groundwork for our future success
In his opening remarks, DACCC Deputy Commander Brigadier General Stefan Scheibl, addressed the key role of such events in improving collective thinking, in order to achieve mission success. “The revised Air C2 Structure will be critical to our survivability and Offensive Ops planners need to seamlessly integrate effective Multi-Domain Operations that provide us with a decisive edge in contested environments.”
Subject matter Experts from across NATO gathered for detailed discussions to improving collective thinking, in order to achieve mission success. Photo by the DACCC.
The key focus of this years conference was the Lessons Identified from recent major NATO exercises. Achieved imagery from Exercise Ramstein Flag 24 by USAF/TSgt Emili Koonce.
During the conference, the international audience of Air C2 experts also received updates from subject matter experts in air power support to enhance ground and maritime operations, time sensitive targeting, space and non-kinetic capabilities. Analysis of the outcomes of the latest exercises also took place to identify issues and refine processes, then tailored tabletop working groups concluded the week by testing new methods to optimize coordinated air operations.
Colonel Josh Coakley, DAOC Director of the DACCC summarized the value of the Conference stating, “Now is an incredibly important time for the Alliance. Changes to the Air C2 structure to meet a dynamic and complex threat environment create challenges and opportunities which are able to be explored during events like this. The exchange of ideas among subject matter experts at all levels and specialties lays the groundwork for our future success.”