Three scrambles on the same day in NATO Air Defense
As part of the aerial surveillance activities of the NATO, two Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets’Italian Air Force, based on Šiauliai in Lithuania, They intervened three times during the same day in missions to intercept unidentified aircraft. All the events occurred on September 13 during operations to defend allied airspace within the framework of the Baltic Air Policing.
The orders were issued when radar detected the presence of unidentified aircraft near the airspace of the Atlantic Alliance. Eurofighter The Italians quickly took off to identify and monitor all flights that had not communicated their flight plan and had no regular contact with air traffic authorities.
The interceptions, conducted professionally and in accordance with international rules and protocols, made it possible to verify the identity of numerous aircraft that repeatedly approached the area of responsibility assigned to the Italian fighter jets, which, starting from August 1st, guarantee the security of the area of responsibility in the Baltic Sea in a very dynamic scenario that often requires the execution of advanced tactical actions in a very short time. Specifically, starting from August 1st Italy It is the only country leading the Baltic Air Policing mission in Lithuania with German support (enhanced Air Policing) deployed at the base. Lielvārde in Latvia.
Approximately 200 flight hours were produced by the Air Task Force – 36th Wing in more than 130 sorties, with 14 immediate takeoff orders (Scramble) requested by the Combined Air Operation Center (CAOC) of the U.S. Air Force. Uedem in Germany to identify different types of aircraft (fighters and transports), none of which belong to the countries NATO.
The frequency of activations of immediate takeoff orders reflects the changed and delicate geopolitical situation. In this context, Italian pilots demonstrate their ability to carry out the mission by exercising an effective deterrent action, while at the same time preventing any escalation situation, maintaining a professional attitude even in the face of any provocations.
Always vigilant, always on alert, always ready, this is what NATO demands; this is what the Air Force team ensures every day, 24 hours a day and in every condition, to guarantee deterrence and security on the Eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance. Of course, the operation of the Air Task Force is the result of collective work; we move in a synergistic and cohesive manner to allow the pilots to fulfill their mission in the most effective and efficient way possible. The technical maintenance staff that ensures the efficiency of the flight line and forms the alarm teams with the pilots, the one that daily ensures the supplies and logistics, mobility through an adequate fleet of vehicles, financial administration, personnel management, and the safety of the installations, are all elements of a single network that participates in a complex team game where the result is definitely greater than the sum of the parts.
NATO Air Policing is a peace mission aimed at preserving the Alliance’s airspace security. It is a collective task that involves the continuous presence – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – of combat aircraft and crews, ready to respond quickly to possible violations of airspace. It has the purpose of defending the Alliance’s skies and deterring potential threats to the security of NATO member countries. This mission is part of the broader NATO defense and deterrence system called Air Shielding, managed by the Air Command (AIRCOM) in Ramstein (Germany).
The Baltic Air Policing mission, in particular, has been a NATO operation in force since April 2004; to date, 17 Allies have participated in safeguarding the airspace of the Baltic Republics: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It is a mission aimed at demonstrating the collective resolve of the Allies in maintaining a defensive, solid and unified posture to deter potential threats to the security of the regional area of responsibility.
Italy participates in NATO’s Air Policing missions to defend the Alliance’s borders in the Baltic, Icelandic, Romanian, Bulgarian, Polish, Slovenian, Albanian and Montenegrin skies.
The Air Task Force in Šiauliai in Lithuania is equipped with Eurofighter Typhoon (F-2000) aircraft from the 36th Stormo of Gioia del Colle, the 4th Stormo of Grosseto, the 37th Stormo of Trapani and the 51st Stormo d’Istrana; the Air Force Storms responsible for the security of the Italian airspace, in addition to the CAEW and SPYDR aircraft deployed at the 14th Stormo of Pratica di Mare.
The activities carried out in Teatro Operativo are conducted under the command and control of the Vertice Interforze Operational Command (COVI), which is the High Command of the Defence responsible for the planning, coordination and direction of exercises and inter-forze operations within the national and international context.
