SEVEN QUALIFIED “HUNTING GUIDES” FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE

Seven Air Defense controllers have recently obtained the qualification of “fighter pilot” (Interception Controller). Seven new Air Defense controllers have completed the training course to become “hunting guide”. The course, divided into several phases, provided the necessary skills to operate as an Interception Controller who, during an immediate takeoff order (Scramble), guiding the pilot towards the aircraft to be intercepted, supporting him in the accomplishment of the mission of defending NATO and National Air Space. The military personnel had to first attend the 4th Weapon Control Course at the Airspace Control Training Department of Pratica di Mare and subsequently, a theoretical-practical internship in the respective operational departments. These stages of study and internship were interspersed with training internships at the 4th Fighter Wing in Grosseto and at the 61st Wing of Galatina, where the controllers have been trained with simulated and real pilots. The new “hunting guide”They are integrated into the overall system of Air Defense that is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and consists of a comprehensive network of sensors operating to identify any suspicious aircraft. Interceptor fighter aircraft are ready to take off in just a few minutes, thanks also to the Air Traffic Service and the fighter pilot operators. Air defense is a complex and articulated instrument through which the Air Force protects the national airspace from any violation, a task carried out since the day of its establishment and which, after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, has become not only extremely relevant but also and above all delicate and difficult to carry out. Air defense is guaranteed by aircraft Eurofighter 2000 ‘Typhoon’, flexible and highly technological vehicles, provided to the 4th Wing of Grosseto, until 36th Stormtrooper Squadron of Gioia del Colle (Bari) Edward 37th Squadron of Trapani Birgi. The . National airspace surveillance service is ensured thanks to certain hiring rules and a unique command chain, capable of responding promptly to any possible form of threat coming from the sky. The new “hunting guides” will be deployed at the Air Defense Command and Control units from where they will operate via the ACCS (Air Command & Control System) and the MASE (Multy Aegis System Emulator), present respectively at the sites of Poggio Renatico and Licola, and as a fixed flight crew on the aircraft.CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning)del14th Stormtrooper Squadron of Pratica di Mare.
The’11th Gr.D.A.M.I. And the 22nd Gr.R.A.M. They operate since the time of peace under the Command and Control chain of the CAOC (Combined Air Operation Center) of Torrejon, guaranteeing 24 hours a day without interruption the defense of NATO and National Airspace, through Surveillance Controllers and Interception Controllers, using a dense network of sensors deployed throughout the national territory and, when necessary, integrated by the CAEW.