German Air Force Establishes New Command Center to Enhance Defense Readiness

The Air Component Command in Kalkar-Uedem aims to streamline operations, integrate NATO structures, and improve rapid response capabilities.

The Air Component Command (ACC) replaces the Zentrum Luftoperationen in Kalkar-Uedem, consolidating key functions for the German Air Force.
The ACC will coordinate territorial missile defense and enable immediate planning and execution of air operations without prior preparation time.
This restructuring addresses 'responsibility diffusion' by centralizing management of aircraft operations, usage, and certification under a single authority.
The need for the ACC was highlighted during the 2023 Air Defender exercise, which revealed delays in coordinating partner aircraft; the new command resolves these issues.
The ACC integrates NATO frameworks to strengthen collaboration with allies and enhance Germany's national and alliance defense capabilities.