The event activated the air defense system by starting the 'scramble' procedure, ie the immediate take-off of fighter aircraft interceptors of military aviation in alarm service on the national territory.
At 22.14, the CAOC-TJ (Combined Air Operation Center of Torrejon) NATO agency responsible for the sector, ordered the "scramble". The two Eurofighter fighters departed from Grosseto airport in a few minutes, under the control of the air defense radars ensured by the Italian Air Force, carried out the interception procedure in contact with the national government authority (NGA). Once the NGA had verified the safe landing of the airliner, the order to return to the base was communicated for the two Eurofighters of the 4th Wing.
The whole activity, as well as the procedures (national and NATO) for the continuous surveillance and control of the airspace, have been confirmed effective, as well as promptly and professionally executed.
Source: Aeronautica Militare - General Office for Communication
