The European Tactical Airlift Program (ETAP) was developed with a view to improving the operational airlift capability of European countries, with the aim of achieving greater interoperability between the nations defending Europe's skies.

The program aims to improve and develop common tactics, techniques and procedures in order to overcome the challenges of flying transport aircraft in the modern joint and joint operating environment.

ETAP is divided into three distinct programmes: European Tactical Airlift Program – Course (ETAP-C); European Tactical Air Transport Program – Instructor Course (ETAP-I); European Tactical Air Transport Program – Training (ETAP-T).

ETAP-T – currently taking place from Beja - is a training exercise, which takes place periodically, where each type of mission is experienced, according to the characteristics and requirements of each participant. ETAP-T normally lasts for two weeks and offers training opportunities for both crews and other operational areas involved. Here, train yourself with the aim of generating greater interoperability between the various participating countries, creating a foundation for successful joint and combined operations.

ETAP-C seeks to provide aircrews with a comprehensive course in airlift tactics in order to enhance the tactical knowledge of the forces involved and expand the area of ​​expertise in hostile scenarios. In the courses, the crews are trained in simulations of real scenarios, exposing them to Air-Ground and Air-Air threats. This type of training is key to increasing interoperability between the nations of Europe.

In turn, ETAP-I provides European air transport instructor pilots with greater experience and knowledge of the different types of existing transport aircraft, as well as their respective capabilities in carrying out the associated missions. ETAP-I allows instructor pilots to assist crews during flight preparation and support them during mission execution, which greatly contributes to their development.