Kuwait: Typhoon Task Group Takes Over from Devil Task Group in Operation Prima Parthica

(To air Force)
22/10/24

The handover ceremony between the task group and the Air Force was held at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Devil and the task group Typhoon, in line with the usual rotation of Italian forces, in the OIR mission – Prima Parthica/Inherent Resolve.

This event marked the handover between two operational units, both with long experience in Kuwait: the “Devil” task group, active since November 2014 and the “Typhoon” task group present since March 2019, in support of the international coalition, for intelligence, surveillance and air reconnaissance missions.

The event was presided over by the commander of the air team/1st air region, general of the air team Alberto Biavati, accompanied by the commander of the Italian national contingent command air/task force air Kuwait, Colonel Paolo Castelli, in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to Kuwait Lorenzo Morini, in front of a large representation of the contingent.

The ceremony, which took place in front of the War Flag of the glorious 6th Wing, was sealed by the in-flight handover between a Tornado and two Eurofighters which, in a formation of 3 aircraft, flew over the flight line taking turns at the head of the formation, to sanction the Handover-Takeover of tasks and responsibilities.

After the introductory speech by Colonel Castelli, General Biavati took the floor to wish all the task group personnel a safe return to their homeland. Devil, a historic asset of the Italian Air Force that has been operating in the geographical area since 1990, and to address words of sincere appreciation to the men and women who, thanks to their synergic work and professionalism, have allowed the achievement of excellent results, much appreciated by all the coalition partners. Tangible proof of this is the exceeding of the ambitious goal of 6.000 flight hours in theater.

Next, addressing the task group staff Typhoon, another important operational asset, as well as an expert actor in the Kuwaiti theater, wanted to wish good work to a more than well-established team that will guarantee the continuation of the mission, with the passion and determination that has always distinguished them, in full respect of the tasks entrusted to the Country, by the international leadership.

The Italian National Contingent Command Air/Task Force Air Kuwait, was established on 17 October 2014 and placed under the control – for national aspects – of the joint operational command. It participates in the operation Prima Parthica/Ineherent Resolve within the international anti-ISIS coalition, ensuring unity of command for the synergic and coordinated use of assets provided by the Italian Air Force and Army, deployed in Kuwait and Iraq and engaged in ISR, AAR, Airlift, EW, Medevac, PED activities and logistical and administrative support.