The TFA-L 4th Wing achieves a prestigious operational milestone in Lithuania
Flight operations under the authority of Task Force Air 4th Wing, engaged in Lithuania on behalf of NATO for the defence of the Baltic skies within the framework of the mission named Baltic Air Policing, have reached the significant milestone of 500 flying hours.
Among the assets deployed at the Lithuanian air base in Šiauliai, the Task Force can rely on fighter jets Eurofighter Typhoon from the four Wings of the National Air Defencethe 36th of Gioia del Colle, the 37th of Trapani, the 51st of Istrana and the 4th of Grosseto, which maintains the Lead of the mission.
The operational mandate of the Italian Eurofighters in Lithuania began with reaching the FOC (Full Operational Capability) last 1 August and will continue until the end of November. The milestone of 500 flying hours was achieved after approximately two and a half months of activity in a challenging operational scenario, set within a delicate geopolitical and military context, with over 20 real activations, in technical jargon“Alpha Scramble“.
The important milestone achieved bears witness to the professionalism and efficiency of the pilots, the maintenance personnel, and generally all TFA staff, harmoniously directed in a productive teamwork and appreciated in its results by the Baltic allies and the entire structure of the NATO.
At the same time, the functionality and reliability of all aircraft used at the TFA can be considered confirmed, and in particular that of the’Eurofighter Typhoon, backbone of the Air Force's air defence capabilities.
Italy has been engaged in operations for years NATO Air Policing, in which it operates on a rotational basis, alternating with other allied nations. Over the years, it has redeployed to all theatres where a mission is present Air Policing.
Regarding Lithuania, the Air Force already served in Šiauliai in 2015 and 2020–21. The Baltic theatre provides a valuable context for the professional growth of Italian pilots, in terms of sorties flown, operational experience, training, and procedural standardisation.
