Twelve European Union nations launched Monday a project to build an EU military air transport fleet to help meet a growing need for planes to carry troops and equipment to the world's trouble spots.
The European Air Transport Fleet (EATF) initiative, which could enter operation in 2014, will pool aircraft like the Airbus A400M and Hercules C130 transporters, the European Defence Agency said in a statement.
"Pooling European aircraft and services will improve the lift capabilities and alleviate a significant European shortfall," said EDA chief Alexander Weis.
The project was endorsed in Brussels Monday by defence ministers from Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Spain.
Based on their capabilities, the nations will make planes available for use; purchase, provide or exchange flying hours; and pool together resources for training and maintenance.
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