Constanta 27 Mar 2025 – The Italian contingent of the Task Force Air – 51st Wing has arrived in Romania, ready to assume command of the NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission, taking over from the Spanish Ejército del Aire y del Espacio “PAZNIC” detachment, to continue seamlessly guaranteeing the security of the airspace along the Alliance's south-eastern flank.
A detachment of four Eurofighter fighters from the Air Force's Air Defence Wings, structured within the “Typhoon” Task Group, has been redeployed to the Mihail Kogălniceanu air base, kicking off the “Black Storm II” operation with the immediate start of flight activities.
The redeployment, which sees the Italian military engaged in the Black Sea area for the third time, follows the successful completion of the “Baltic Thunder II” mission in Lithuania, which lasted eight months to protect the skies of the north-eastern area of the Allied air theatre, bearing witness to the continuous commitment of the Italian Armed Forces to NATO's collective defence and deterrence and the protection of member countries.
“Italy has consistently demonstrated its capability and readiness in NATO Air Policing missions. Our presence in Romania is testament to the commitment that the country continues to dedicate to the security and stability of the Alliance,” stated Colonel Marcello Vitucci, Commander of the “Black Storm II” operation.
Throughout the entire operation, which for national aspects is directed and coordinated by the Joint Operations Headquarters, the Italian aircraft will work in close collaboration with the Romanian Air Force and with the Allied air, land and naval assets present in the area of operations, integrating with other NATO forces to maintain a robust defensive and deterrent posture.
NATO Air Policing missions represent a fundamental pillar of collective security, ensuring continuous 24/7 surveillance of Allied airspace.
