Members of the Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) unit of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) and the United States (U.S.) Special Forces practiced various aspects of close air support coordination with AFBiH helicopters and F-16 fighter jets from Aviano Air Base in Italy.
Over the past few days, members of the AFBiH have been training alongside their U.S. counterparts to establish and coordinate operations with U.S. F-16 aircraft.
This activity is jointly supported and executed by the Air Force and Air Defense Brigade of the AFBiH and the U.S. Air Force.
The U.S. Embassy emphasized the importance of developing joint capabilities through training and cooperation between the U.S. and BiH forces.
The establishment, equipping, and training of the JTAC team of the AFBiH – specialists in guiding and controlling close air support, known within NATO as “Joint Terminal Attack Controllers” – are strongly supported by the U.S.
These forward air controllers establish a connection from the ground to aircraft engaged in offensive or tactical operations, often in close proximity to friendly forces. Precision and clear, unambiguous communication are therefore of critical importance.
Following the demands of modern warfare, the AFBiH have developed this capability over the past several years. The JTAC team of the AFBiH is increasingly participating in international exercises, where they further develop their skills alongside colleagues and air forces from partner nations.
Members of the JTAC team of the AFBiH have accumulated more experience in this field than their counterparts from some NATO countries in the region, Klix.ba writes.
E.Dz.
