Eurofighter aircraft are replacing F35s
Following the arrival of four Eurofighter (F-2000A) aircraft and the initial familiarisation flights, a [unit/wing/etc.] was established at Malbork in Poland the Task Force Air 4th Wing which will be used as part of the operations of “Enhanced Air Policing” (En-AP), della NATO.
The Italian device of En-AP, following the return of the F35 in their permanent bases of Amendola (FG) e Ghedi (BS), has reached full operational capability and has replaced the F35 aircraft of the Air Task Force, 32nd Wing that operated in Poland since early September.
“With the arrival of the four Eurofighters from the four wings of the’Italian Air Force and the rapid achievement of the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) followed a few days later by the Full Operational Capability (FOC), the TFA 4th Wing It is now ready to operate on a continuous basis following the TFA “32nd Wing”” underlines the Colonel Antonio Vergallo, Commander of the TFA.“This highlights our Armed Force's ability to support NATO continuously and to carry out our missions and tasks coherently and without interruption. The speed and effectiveness of the handover reflect our technical readiness and promptness in tackling new challenges.”
The Task Force Air 4th Wing, comprising approximately 150 men and women of the Italian Air Force, is placed under the direct national command of COVI and ensures the continuous monitoring and safeguarding of NATO's north-eastern flank, thereby guaranteeing a rapid response to protect allied airspace.
The TFA is equipped with Eurofighter (F-2000A) aircraft from the 4th Wing of Grosseto, 36th Wing of Gioia del Colle, 37th Stormo of Trapani and the 51st Wing of the’Istrana.
Air Shielding, of which the permanent device for Air Policing (AP), is a peace and collective defence mission led by NATO which is carried out continuously 365 days a year and is managed by the’Allied Air Command (AIRCOM of Ramstein (Germany).
The activities carried out in the operational theatre are conducted in accordance with the directives issued by the Interforce Summit Operational Command (COVI), which is the Defence High Command responsible for the planning, coordination and direction of joint exercises and operations at both national and international level.
