The exercise “ concluded on Friday, 28 November, in the training area located between the provinces of Pisa, Livorno, Siena, Pistoia, and Grosseto.“Mongoose 2025”multinational and joint exercise, which saw the participation of over 1,200 military personnel from seven nations, conducted in a federated mode with the Italian Army's exercises.
During the activity, the Italian Air Force made a qualified and integrated contribution, assisting in the development and conduct of Airborne and force projection operations In a high-intensity, complex and realistic scenario. The exercise aimed to test the units' ability to plan and conduct a Joint forcible entry operation (JFEO), comprising air launch, the seizure and retention of a strategic objective, as well as area interdiction and counter-interdiction activities.
The aerial device has seen the use of C-27J and C-130J transport aircraft of the 46th Air Brigade, used for the airdrop of personnel and materiel, ensuring the necessary projection of forces and support for units engaged on the ground. The Air Force has also ensured the Logistical support for flight operations through the 4th Wing, contributing to the overall safety and effectiveness of operations.
On the ground, a team of Air Gunners, paratroopers of the 16th “Force Protection” Wing of the Air Force it operated in close coordination with Italian Army units, participating in the planning, infiltration, and manoeuvre phases. After the operational deployment and reorganisation, the units conducted tactical movements aimed at linking up with friendly forces of the 4th Alpini Parachutist Regiment “Ranger” and the subsequent securing of the objective, ensuring control of access areas and supporting the assault phases. The activities were carried out continuously, day and night, for several consecutive days, testing the unit's autonomy, resilience, and joint integration capabilities.
The peculiar nature of the “Mongoose” exercise lies in the dynamic generation of tactical events through direct confrontation between opposing forces, in an extremely realistic and unpredictable training context. The use of simulation systems and blank ammunition has made it possible to reproduce combat scenarios in woodland and underground environments, increasing the level of realism and the decision-making readiness of the Commanders.
Participation in “Mangusta 2025” confirms the commitment of the Italian Air Force to maintain high standards of interoperability, operational readiness and joint integration, fundamental elements for addressing the challenges of modern operational scenarios and contributing effectively to national and international security.
