European Air Group
The European Air Group (EAG) is a partnership for international military cooperation between 7 countries. The operation of the organisation is based on an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA).
EAG - objective
The EAG seeks to improve cooperation between the participating nations’ air forces, the main objective being to enhance operational capabilities. The EAG focuses on the 7 participating nations’ common interests. EAG headquarters is based at RAF High Wycombe in the United Kingdom.
EAG - establishment
The EAG was established on 27 June 1995 and initially started out as the Franco-British European Air Group (FBEAG), a cooperative arrangement between France and the United Kingdom. These 2 countries worked together closely during the Persian Gulf War in 1991 and the Balkan Wars of the 1990s. In 1998, ‘Franco-British’ was dropped from the name after Italy became a full member of the organisation. Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain followed in 1999.
EAG – management
The EAG Steering Group directs the activities of the EAG. The Steering Group is made up of the air force commanders of the various participating nations. The position of EAG Director is rotated among the Steering Group members. The Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force held the position of EAG Director in 2008 and 2009.