Positive training return for personnel of the 6th Air Force Squadron who operated in the Iniochos 22 exercise
From March 22 to April 8, the 7th edition of the international exercise called Iniochos 2022.
At the event, organized by the Hellenic Air Force, Italy took part with a component of personnel from 6th Wing by Ghedi (Brescia), risking 3 aircraft for training activities Tornado version I.D.S. (Interdiction and Strike) and 3 aircraft Tornado version E.C.R. (Electronic Combat Reconnaissance).
Other international forces participated in the exercise, including the Cypriot National Guard, the French, Israeli, Slovenian and American air forces, as well as observers from various countries such as Albania, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Canada, Croatia, Egypt, India, Kuwait, North Macedonia, Morocco and the United Kingdom.
The focus of the exercise was to consolidate the operational capabilities of the weapon systems in service, the validations of respective operational tactics, and – through the organization and combined combat with other aircraft – to consolidate the capabilities to operate jointly in a multinational context. This was a significant opportunity that allowed the development of a unique training standard to safely manage flight operations with the other participating air forces, enhancing and improving the professionalism of all personnel involved.
The operational activity was carried out mainly in open sea, coastal zones and mountainous areas, allowing the crews to plan and carry out complex COMAO-type missions (Combined Air Operations) training in different roles: SEAD/DEAD (Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defence), TST (Time-sensitive targeting), CAS (Close Air Support), DCA (Defensive Counter Airand OCAOffensive Counter AirIt was also possible to use simulated armament in scenarios featuring different types of simulated threats, and to train for low-altitude operational flight at ground level below 500 feet.
It Commander of the Italian Deployment Team Lieutenant Colonel Nicola Rotondo At the end of the exercise, he highlighted that the changing scenarios with increasing complexity represented a very valid and challenging training process, which allowed our crews to validate and harmonize all the platforms used in the exercise to the best possible extent. Iniochos 22.
On the occasion of Visitors' Day, the Commander of the Air Force, Air Force General Alberto Biavati, On behalf of the Head of SMA, he visited the Italian contingent and expressed his appreciation at the end of the day for the operational results achieved, praising the men and women of the 6th Squadron for the constant and fruitful commitment shown even in this occasion, especially in this international context where the’Italian Air Force increasingly present and a leading player.
The 6th Wing, Under the command of the Air Force Command, through the Combat Forces Command, it has the task of planning and coordinating training and the preparation of capabilities in accordance with national and NATO/EU plans for precision engagement, support for surface forces, and reconnaissance in the EO/IR and electromagnetic spectrum. It also ensures the operational conversion and standardization of the flight crews assigned to the Tornado IDS/ECR line.
