2026-09-17

It is no longer fiction to see a Belgian pilot climb into a Norwegian F-35 that has been prepared on the ground by a Danish technician, ready to carry out an international mission. The Capacity on Call agreement, which is being put into practice during the Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) 2026, pools the capabilities of six allies and more than 150 F-35s.
WIC 2026 brings together pilots, technicians and specialists to prepare and execute complex missions. Six countries are taking a new step by sharing certain capabilities related to their F-35 fleets.
A collective capability
This evolution is based on the Capacity on Call agreement, a permanent structure that allows partner countries to make certain capabilities available to one another. Together they have more than 150 F-35s at their disposal.

The goal goes beyond mere mutual support. The partners want to develop joint procedures so that they can operate and maintain their aircraft in an increasingly integrated way.

This cooperation rests on three pillars:
• interfly, whereby a pilot can fly an aircraft belonging to another country;
• cross-servicing, whereby allied technicians are authorised to perform maintenance on an aircraft;
• weapons cross-loading, which facilitates the use of munitions from different national stocks.
Concrete interoperability
This integration is already visible on the ground today. Denmark is currently operating five F-35s made available by Norway, while crews and specialists from different countries work according to harmonised procedures.

On 17 September the system reached a new milestone with the integration of Finnish pilots and pilots from the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE). Six countries are now operating within one and the same operational configuration, demonstrating that the partners are capable of sharing air and personnel assets across national borders.
From technical support to shared armament
Danish technicians are among those responsible for the maintenance of Norwegian aircraft that form part of this shared fleet. Thanks to the harmonisation of qualifications and procedures, maintenance teams can work on the aircraft of partner countries.

This approach also extends to armament. During exercises, munitions from one country’s stocks can be employed from another country’s aircraft. Interoperability thus covers the entire weapon system, from logistical support through to mission execution.
Training the leaders of tomorrow
WIC 2026 serves as a realistic laboratory for this enhanced cooperation. By bringing together the most experienced crews and specialists, it enables the development of a common approach to modern air operations.

The training also places strong emphasis on tactical leadership. Future instructors learn to coordinate complex multinational operations and to fully exploit the possibilities offered by this ever-deeper integration.

The F-35s remain part of the national fleets, but are increasingly employed jointly. This development strengthens the flexibility, resilience and operational effectiveness of the partner countries, which can now share aircraft, expertise and resources in order to jointly meet future challenges.
Author: Belgian Air Force

Photos: Norwegian Air Force
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