Interception and identification operations carried out by the Italian Air Force Contingent are ongoing
Seven interventions by fighter jets in the last two weeks Eurofighter Typhoon of the’Italian Air Force, based in Šiauliai in Lithuania, who intervened to identify aircraft crossing Lithuanian airspace without following the required identification procedures.
A period of intense activity for the Task Force Air – 36th Wing which has been ensuring, since 1st August last, air space defence operations in the skies of the Baltic Republics under NATO control, a task which will end in March 2025.
The activation of the aircraft of the cell of “Quick Reaction Alert – Intercept”, took place, as part of the Baltic Air Policing, with an immediate takeoff order – Alpha Scramble – originating from the NATO CAOC (Combined Air Operations Centre) in Uedem (Germany).
The procedures for a Alpha Scramble they plan for the Eurofighters to approach the intercepted aircraft from the rear sector. At that point, the lead aircraft positions itself on the left-hand side, in a more forward and elevated position relative to the intercepted aircraft. At that moment, the identification phase takes place, which the interceptor pilots must conduct in accordance with the international rules in force.
The frequency of scramble order activations in the recent period reflects the delicate geopolitical situation in the Baltic region. In this context, Task Force Air – 36th Wing operates thanks to pilots, maintainers, specialists, and technical, logistical, and administrative personnel, ensuring the integrity of the airspace over Lithuanian skies every day. Their task is carried out with competence and exercises an effective action of defence and deterrence. At the same time, it prevents the possibility of escalation, always maintaining a professional posture even in the face of potential provocations.
The Task Force Air – 36th Wing it has produced so far around 700 flight hours across more than 300 sorties and a total of 27 scramble orders.
The activities carried out in the Theatre of Operations are conducted under the command and control of the Joint Operations Command (COVI), which is the Defence High Command responsible for the planning, coordination and direction of joint exercises and operations at national and international level.
NATO Air policing
Safeguarding the integrity of airspace is a permanent peacetime task that contributes to the collective defence of the NATO.
It is a clear sign of cohesion, shared responsibility and solidarity for all allied countries. Furthermore, NATO Air Policing also provides support to civil aircraft in distress, for example when they have lost communication with air traffic control. NATO Air Policing is part of NATO's broader defence and deterrence mechanism called Air Shielding, managed by Allied 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 Air Policing missions to defend the Alliance's borders over the skies of the Baltic states, Iceland, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Albania and Montenegro.
The Air Task Force in Šiauliai
The Air Task Force in Siauliai, Lithuania, is equipped with Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft (F-2000) from the 36th Wing of Gioia del Colle, 4th Wing of Grosseto, 37th Wing of Trapani and 51st Wing of Istrana; the wings of the’Italian Air Force deputies for the security of Italian airspace in addition to the aircraft SPYDR assigned to the 14th Wing of Pratica di Mare.
