During the “VALIR XXVII” exercise, Re.S.T.O.G.E. optimized the self-protection against infrared guided weapon systems. From November 27 to December 6, the validation activity called “VALIR XXVII” was carried out by the Electronic Warfare Technical Support Department (Re.S.T.O.G.E.) and aimed at improving the self-protection of aircraft against infrared guided weapon systems. It followed a similar campaign, called “VALIR XXVI”, which took place from October 3 to 19. Both activities were carried out at the Capo San Lorenzo detachment of the Inter-Service Experimental and Training Range at Salto di Quirra and at the Experimental Department of Air Standardization at Decimomannu. During the aforementioned campaigns, the personnel of Re.S.T.O.G.E. was supported by the Armament and Countermeasures Group (G.A.C.) of the Experimental Flight Department (R.S.V.), which provided the measurement equipment for the effectiveness of countermeasures and the personnel associated with it. Re.S.T.O.G.E. also supported the personnel of the Tactical Information Brigade and the Italian Army Air Command (E.I.) in the parallel “AQUILA XIV” and “AQUILA XV” validation campaigns for the rotary wing assets of the aforementioned Armed Force. This cooperation falls within the framework of the cooperation agreement in force between A.M. and E.I., which allows for the pursuit of synergies and the optimization of human and material resources of the Armed Forces within the scope of Operational Support for Electronic Warfare for the Air Dimension. Further synergies were developed with the aforementioned G.A.C. of the R.S.V., which conducted the concomitant “CORVO XIX” campaign aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of new countermeasures employed aboard a HH-101A helicopter. The activities involved the participation of a significant number of aircraft from the Italian Air Force, such as the C-27J Spartans of the 46th Air Brigade of Pisa, the Tornadoes of the 6th Stormo of Ghedi, the AMX of the 51st Stormo of Istrana and the P-72A of the 41st Stormo of Sigonella, as well as the NH-90 and AB-212 helicopters of the Italian Army.
The mission of Re.S.T.O.G.E. is to provide Electronic Warfare Operational Support (S.O.G.E.) to the A.M. Departments through operational, technical and training activities aimed at optimizing the self-protection of Armed Forces aircraft, as well as to plan and conduct defensive and offensive aerial operations in the Electronic Warfare Support capacity through its Squadrons of Flight Crew – Electronic Warfare Operators, who maintain a constant state of Readiness.
