Colonel Antonio Vergallo succeeds Colonel Emanuele Spigolon Thursday 16 July, at the 36th Fighter Wing, Gioia del Colle (Bari), the handover took place between the Colonel Emanuele Spigolon, outgoing Commander, and the Colonel Antonio Vergallo, Incoming Commander. The 36th Fighter Wing, which reports to the Air Squad Command via the Combat Forces Command, is one of the Italian Air Force's air defence Wings ensuring the surveillance of national airspace 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, with an integrated defence system, even in peacetime, with that of other NATO member countries. The service is guaranteed – for surveillance, identification and control – by the 11th DAMI Group of Poggio Renatico (FE) and the 22nd Radar Group of Licola (NA), and for airborne interception, by the 4th Wing (GR), the 36th Wing (BA) and the 37th Wing (TP), all equipped with Eurofighter fighter aircraft. Since January 2017, the Italian Air Force has also activated a cell of Eurofighter F-2000s at the 51st Wing of Istrana in order to optimise the coverage of national airspace, with a view to generally reducing response times and promptly countering any threats. Furthermore, since March 2018, F-35 aircraft of the 32nd Wing of Amendola have also been integrated into the air defence system, contributing with specific operational capabilities and cutting-edge technology to the defence of Italian skies.
