During a recent exercise in Câmpia Turzii, Romania, a pair of fighter jets Eurofighter of the 51st TFA Wing, engaged within the scope of the enhanced operation Air Policing and redeployed from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, operated from the Air Force base?Romanian Air Force. The activity has allowed Italian and Romanian personnel to train side-by-side, strengthening interoperability between allied forces. With the support of a small team of specialists, the operation has demonstrated the effectiveness and speed of procedures, aligned with the principles of NATO doctrine aimed at ensuring flexibility, speed, and effectiveness in dynamic scenarios.
The exercise involved numerous assets NATO, including Romanian, French, Turkish, and Greek aircraft, supported by refuelling aircraft, Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, and ground-based air defence systems. Upon completion of their missions, the joint team performed rapid refuelling and technical checks, enabling the aircraft to resume operations promptly.
The activity allowed for testing cross-servicing procedures for the ground technical support of allied aircraft, according to NATO standards.
The application of ACE doctrine aims to reduce the vulnerability of air forces, enhancing response capability and strategic dispersion across the territory. Operating according to these principles increases survivability, especially in contexts characterised by asymmetric threats that can compromise the use of traditional bases.
The 51st Wing TFA is an essential component of NATO's Air Policing capability, contributing to the security of the Alliance's airspace and strengthening collective deterrence and defence. This operation confirms the commitment of the Italian contingent which, with over 300 operational flight hours, continues to ensure a constant presence and high operational readiness on the Alliance's eastern flank.
The’Italian Air Force participates in activities in Romania with its own assets which, for national aspects, operate under the direction and coordination of Interforce Summit Operational Command while, as far as operational activities are concerned, they are transferred under the control of NATO's Combined Air Operation Centre in Torrejon.
