The deployment of the 9th Wing's aircraft to Spangdahlem air base (Germany) concluded last Friday, 22 September.
Over two weeks, the men and women of the Department conducted intensive low-level formation flying using the facilities of the Multinational Aircrew Electronic Warfare Tactics Facility Polygone, an Electronic Warfare polygon that allows for faithful replication of the presence of the most widespread surface-to-air missile threats.
Thanks to this infrastructure, unique in Europe, and the use of some areas of the Baumholder air-to-ground range, the crews were able to plan and fly with extreme realism. missions of type Personnel Recovery and of Special Forces Air Support, validating tactics for penetrating enemy air defences by evading radar, then simulating assaults, insertions and extractions in the target area.
In this context, characterised by a high threat level, the helicopter's survival capabilities stood out. HH101A ME (Enhanced Mission) and its Integrated Electronic Warfare System (SIGE) which, thanks to its sensors for detecting RADAR (detection, targeting and guidance), laser (aiming) and ultraviolet radiation emitted by missiles during the launch phase, represents one of the most advanced protection systems in the world.
The exercise allowed the 9th Wing, engaged in the acquisition process of Full Operational Capability, not only to train crews, but also to test and refine their projection capability, deploying personnel autonomously, without external means, and operating in total synergy with the host personnel of the 52nd Fighter Wing. The latter, after noting the professionalism of the 9th Wing's personnel, showed a keen interest in deepening future collaboration between the two departments, expressing a desire to organise complex joint training events with the HH101 of the “Tigers” and the premises F16 of the “Sabres”.
The success of the deployment was also contributed to by the personnel of Operational Electronic Warfare Technical Support Department, fundamental for the correct functioning and development of the systems; of the 2nd Wing of Rivolto, necessary for a correct analysis of missile defence data; and of the companies Leonardo and ELT, manufacturers of the SIGE.
It 9th Wing, With its HH-101 and HH-212 aircraft, it carries out support operations for Special Operations as well as search and rescue of isolated personnel in hostile territory (so-called Personnel Recovery operations), providing air support to special forces and intervening, in the presence of any wounded, with emergency medical evacuation activities.
The Department contributes to the security arrangements for military deployments abroad, peacekeeping and humanitarian aid operations, as well as the implementation of protection measures nationally during major events or for public order maintenance.
The 9th Wing reports directly to 1st Special Operations Air Brigade, which in turn reports to the Air Squadron Command, based in Rome.
