Four Italian Air Force F-35A aircraft from the “Task Force Air – 32nd Wing,” redeployed as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Air Policing” operations and integrated into rotational block 64 since December 1, have returned to Malbork from their home bases in Amendola (FG) and Ghedi (BS).
The Italian Enhanced Air Policing (En-AP) unit is set to achieve full operational capability in the coming days, continuing its commitment in Poland until next March.
“Italy’s commitment within the Alliance continues in this rotational block. We take pride in providing our service to the community of allied countries to ensure the right security framework on the eastern flank of Europe,” said Colonel Antonio Vergallo, the new Commander of the TFA. “The deployed F35 aircraft constitute the most advanced weapon system of the Italian Air Force, not only fulfilling the assigned mission of NATO airspace defense but also representing an integrated system capable of offering invaluable interoperability opportunities between 4th and 5th generation aircraft in a multi-domain context.”
Air Shielding, including the permanent Air Policing (AP) component, is a NATO-led peace and collective defense mission conducted continuously 365 days a year and managed by the Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) in Ramstein, Germany.
Operational activities are carried out in accordance with directives from the Joint Forces Operational Command (COVI), which is the High Command of Defense responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing joint exercises and operations nationally and internationally.
The Task Force Air 32nd Wing, comprising approximately 150 men and women from the Italian Air Force, operates under the direct national authority of COVI (Joint Forces Operational Command) and ensures control and protection of the northeastern flank of NATO. It continuously deploys F-35A Lightning aircraft to Poland under Quick Reaction Alert – Interceptor (QRA-I) conditions, ensuring a rapid response to protect allied airspace.
(via Italian Air Force)
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