MILEX26 - Freedom of Action
16 June 2026
Zaragoza, Spain, 16 June 2026, Modern military operations depend on more than combat power alone. Before forces can manoeuvre, gather information or achieve their objectives, they require freedom of action, both – in the air and on the ground. During MILEX26, this principle is demonstrated every day through the integration of air capabilities as well as e.g. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists, supporting the multinational force.
At the Eurocorps Force Headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Pedro serves as Chief of the Air Operations Coordination Centre (AOCC) and as the air representative within the headquarters. His role is to ensure that air capabilities are fully integrated into the operational plan and synchronized with activities on the ground. For MILEX26, Spanish Air and Space Force assets, including F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from 15 Wing, contribute to the exercise and support a realistic training environment. Air operations provide commanders with capabilities ranging from intelligence support and situational awareness to air integration and show-of-force activities. However, these capabilities do not operate independently. Their effectiveness depends on careful planning, realistic expectations and close coordination with the force on the ground. Having previously flown as a military pilot in the Zaragoza training area, Lieutenant Colonel Pedro knows the terrain well. Today, he views it from a different perspective, as part of a multinational headquarters validating European Union procedures and cooperation. For him, the key lesson is clear:
“Synchronization is the key. Air capabilities can provide significant operational effects, but they are never available without constraints. Weather conditions, maintenance requirements and operational priorities all influence what can be delivered and when. Our task is to synchronize these capabilities with the needs of the force at the right time and in the right place.”
While air assets contribute above the battlefield, EOD specialists ensure freedom of movement on the ground. During MILEX26, Spanish and Portuguese EOD teams operate with specialized equipment, including remotely operated robotic systems, to detect, identify and safely manage explosive hazards. Their work helps reduce risks to personnel and maintains operational momentum in complex environments. Although often working away from public attention, EOD teams play a critical role in military operations. By combining technical expertise, advanced technology and precise procedures, they enable forces to move, operate and accomplish their missions safely.
Whether coordinating effects in the air or neutralizing hazards on the ground, both capabilities contribute to the same objective: enabling the force to operate effectively. MILEX26 demonstrates that operational success is achieved not through individual capabilities alone, but through their integration. Because military readiness is built on many specialised functions working together as one force, united by a common mission and a shared commitment to security, mobility and operational effectiveness.
