Surveillance and air defence systems have been strengthened for the occasion in Rome. For the official visit to Italy of Russian President Vladimir Putin on 4 July, personnel and equipment from the Air Force contributed to enhancing security activities, prevention, and control of sensitive sites and targets, implemented by the Defence Ministry in support of the Interior Ministry. To help ensure the smooth running of the visit and the safety of the population, as part of the comprehensive protection system for the areas involved in the event, the Air Force deployed a system capable of bolstering the air defence of Rome. Specifically, to enhance airspace surveillance and defence measures, F-2000 Eurofighter and CAEW aircraft were deployed.Conformal Airborne Early Warning) jointly with the use of helicopters equipped with slow mover interceptor capabilities. Furthermore, to counter the threat posed by mini-micro UAS, or “drones” of small size illicitly used with malicious intent, a device has been prepared, technically termed Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS), consisting of a detection radar system equipped with day and night devices and optics for electronic flight interception, used in particular for the protection of airports, critical infrastructures or sensitive sites. The security device was coordinated by the Air Operations Command of Poggio Renatico in collaboration with the operations room of the Prefecture of Rome.
