Operators from the 17th Stormo Incursori AM parachute for the first time, using the Freefall Technique, from a C-27J aircraft of the 46th BA. The C-27J conducted sorties allowing a series of freefall technique jumps, which took place using CIMSA TPM9+ parachutes issued to the 17th Stormo. Each commando performed a jump with operational equipment. The C-27J had already been certified by the Experimental Flight Department (RSV) of Pratica di Mare (Rome) in conjunction with the Italian Army for this type of activity, but the aforementioned training has allowed the commencement of activities with paratroopers who, from now on, can be deployed on operational missions not only with the C-130J but also with the C-27J. Both the 17th Stormo Incursori, which deployed its own ‘Task Unit’, and the 9th Stormo, which provided the airport, are hierarchically subordinate to the 1st Air Brigade ‘Special Operations’ in Rome. Personnel from the 17th Stormo's Operational Group are currently deployed in Afghanistan, in a joint context, by COFS (Joint Command for Special Forces Operations) as part of Operation ISAF (International Security Assistance Force).
