In the early afternoon the CAOC-TJ (Combined Air Operation Center of Torrejon - Spain), NATO agency responsible for the sector, ordered the scramble, or the immediate take-off of fighter interceptor aircraft in alarm service on the national territory. The two Eurofighter fighters, departing in just a few minutes from Gioia del Colle airport, remained in constant radio contact with the air defense radar, precisely with Licola's 22 ° Gr.R.AM.
The interception was carried out in the Albanian territory, by virtue of the Air Policing agreements with Albania, on the basis of which the defense of the relative airspace is divided into shifts between the air forces of the Alliance countries, including precisely the 'Italy.
Upon reaching the aircraft, visual identification was carried out and, after ascertaining the absence of a threat, the order to return to the base was given.
Source: 36 ° Stormo - Gioia del Colle (BA) - ten. Stefania Palmiero
