Four F-35A aircraft of “Task Force Air – 32nd Wing” – redeployed as part of NATO's “Enhanced Air Policing” operations and included in rotational block 1 since 64 December – returned to Malbork from their permanent bases in Amendola (FG) and Ghedi (BS).
The Italian device of Enhanced Air Policing (En-AP) is preparing to reach full operational capacity in the next few days, continuing its commitment in Poland until next March.
“Italy's commitment within the Alliance continues also in this rotational bloc. This makes us proud to provide our service to the community of allied countries in order to guarantee the right security framework on the eastern flank of Europe" – declared the new commander of the TFA, Colonel Antonio Vergallo – “The F35 aircraft, deployed here, constitute the most advanced weapon system available to the Air Force which, in addition to carrying out the assigned mission of defense of NATO airspace, represents an integrated system capable of offering invaluable opportunities for interoperability between 4th and 5th generation aircraft in a multi-domain context".
THEAir Shielding, of which the permanent device is an integral part Air Policing (AP), is a NATO-led peacekeeping and collective defense mission that is conducted seamlessly 365 days a year and is managed by the Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) in Ramstein, Germany.
The activities carried out in the "operational theater" are conducted according to the directives given by the joint operational command (COVI), which is the high defense command responsible for planning, coordinating and directing joint exercises and operations at national and international level.
Task Force Air 32nd Wing - made up of around 150 men and women of the Air Force - is placed under the direct national dependence of the COVI (joint forces top operational command) and ensures the control and safeguard of NATO's north-eastern flank - without interruption, redeploying F-35A aircraft to Poland lightning in condition of Quick Reaction Alert – Interceptor (QRA-I) and thus guaranteeing rapid intervention to protect allied airspace.
