EAG LEAD
The European Air Group (EAG) convened the VOLCANEX ATS 25 Final Coordination Conference (FCC) and ATS Study Group at the prestigious Casa dell’Aviatore in Rome on 10–11 September 2025. Hosted by the Italian Air Force (ITAF), the event brought together national representatives and subject matter experts to prepare for the major VOLCANEX ATS exercise and advance key interoperability initiatives in Air Traffic Services (ATS).
AIM OF THE EVENT
The dual-purpose gathering aimed to finalize coordination for the upcoming VOLCANEX ATS 25 exercise and to progress the EAG’s ATS Study Group work strands. The FCC focused on national force participation, syndicate planning, and resolving operational blockers, while the Study Group reviewed the development of critical documents including the EAG Training Organizations Handbook and the Deployable CNS Database. These efforts align with the EAG’s 2025 Program of Work and its commitment to enhancing multinational ATS interoperability.
OUTCOME REPORT
The FCC session on the morning of 10 September enabled participating nations to confirm their force contributions and caveats, assess syndicate structures, and address any potential showstoppers that could impact the success of VOLCANEX ATS 25. The collaborative discussions ensured alignment across national delegations and set a clear path forward for the exercise’s execution, which will take place in Belgium on the 1st and 2nd of December 2025. This marks the first time that an ATS-dedicated exercise has been led by the EAG.
In the afternoon, the ATS Study Group convened to review updates to two cornerstone documents: the EAG Training Organizations Handbook and the Deployable CNS Database. These updates reflect evolving operational needs and technological advancements, ensuring that EAG member nations remain aligned in their training and deployment capabilities. The Study Group’s work supports long-term interoperability and readiness across the European air domain.
On 11 September, participants visited the ITAF Area Control Center in Ciampino, gaining firsthand insight into Italy’s ATS infrastructure and operational procedures. This visit not only reinforced technical understanding but also showcased Italy’s commitment to hosting and supporting multinational collaboration.
The venue, Casa dell’Aviatore, its warm welcome and logistical support were widely appreciated by attendees, reinforcing Italy’s role as a key contributor to EAG initiatives.
The VOLCANEX ATS 25 FCC and ATS Study Group form part of a broader series of EAG-led activities designed to strengthen interoperability, readiness, and mutual understanding among member nations. These efforts are essential to ensuring seamless coordination in joint operations and exercises across Europe.
