Kuwait: 12000 hours of flight for the Italian Predators

(To Greater Defense)
25/03/21

The Task Group Predator "Araba Fenice" has exceeded 12.000 flight hours since its establishment in 2014, when it was deployed in operations among the first units of the coalition and in 2020 alone it flew for about 2150 hours ensuring the reconnaissance of over 1300 targets.

Established on October 17, 2014 and included in the multinational operation "Inherent Resolve", IT NCC AIR and TFA Kuwait guarantees uniqueness of command and logistical support for the synergistic and coordinated use of the assets provided by the Italian Air Force Predator, Tornado, C-27J and KC-767A, providing a daily contribution of absolute importance to the strategic awareness el 'information superiority in the Operating Theater, for protection and security, for the extension of the flight autonomy and range of action of the Coalition's aircraft assets and contributing effectively to peace and stability in the area. TFA Kuwait competes by using its assets Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) - Tornado e Predator - the definition of the situational awareness of the Coalition.

The col. Luca G. Vitaliti, commander of IT NCC AIR and of Task Force Air Kuwait he stressed that the structure expresses absolute technological and operational excellence, guaranteeing a significant contribution to the coalition. 

The MQ-9A Predator is a remotely piloted aircraft system of strategic class that guarantees a long persistence in flight at medium and high altitudes, allowing to obtain high performance both in the conduct of missions Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), both in the context of patrolling, search and rescue operations, protection of installations and escorting troops on the ground.

Thanks to the sensors available and the professionalism of the flight crews and photo-interpreter analyst personnel, the MQ-9A can detect the presence of threats or improvised explosive devices, among the most insidious and widespread dangers in today's operating theaters. 

Italy ranks as the first contributor in OIR, after the United States, in terms of aerial assets specialized in information collection, surveillance and reconnaissance, for the fight against DA'ESH cells, the protection of the population and support for pacification in Iraq. .