In recent days, at Gioia del Colle Air Base (BA), personnel and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from the 36th Fighter Wing participated in a joint training exercise with the Hellenic Air Force, represented by the 335th Squadron (with F-16 aircraft) and from the 332 Squadron (with aircraft Rafale).
The activity, known as “Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT)”, involved a total of six aircraft, simulating operational scenarios of increasing difficulty and complexity. The aircraft from the two air forces engaged in simulated air-to-air combat (Air-to-Air), allowing training personnel to refine the use of fundamental operational tactics to ensure air superiority, employing the aircraft provided in an extremely complex and dynamic operational context. During the planning phase, capability packages were prepared to simulate both offensive counter-air (OCA) missions Offensive Counter Air) air defence missions (DCA – Defensive Counter AirThe activity was aimed at increasing operational readiness levels, as well as refining combat capabilities, cooperation, and integration among aircraft belonging to the Atlantic Alliance. The exercise confirmed the DACT as a concrete opportunity to test and train the structure of command and control and to coordinate national systems Air defence.
It 36th Fighter Wing of Gioia del Colle depends on the Air Defence, Attack and Reconnaissance Combat Forces Command (CFC) of Milan, whose mission is to acquire and maintain the operational readiness of air defence, attack and reconnaissance units, ensuring the operational efficiency of weapon systems, equipment and materiel, as well as personnel training and the constant updating and optimisation of operational procedures. The CFC is in turn subordinate to the Air Squad Command – 1st Air Region, which exercises powers regarding the training, preparation and operational readiness of its units, so that they acquire and maintain the expected levels of operational readiness. The 36th Fighter Wing is one of the five Wings of the Italian Air Force that ensure national air defence and the Quick Reaction Alert of NATO.
