The Italian contingent of Task Force Air – 51st Wing has arrived in Romania, ready to take command of the mission Enhanced Air Policing of NATO, taking over from the “PAZNIC” detachment of the Spanish Air and Space Army, to continue to ensure, without interruption, the security of the airspace along the south-eastern flank of the Alliance.
A detachment of four fighters Euro Fighter coming from the Air Defense Wings of the Italian Air Force, part of the “Typhoon” Task Group, was redeployed to the Mihail Kogălniceanu air base, kicking off Operation “Black Storm II” with the immediate start of flight activities.
The redeployment, which sees Italian soldiers engaged in the Black Sea area for the third time, follows the successful completion of the “Baltic Thunder II” mission in Lithuania, which lasted eight months to protect the skies of the north-eastern area of the Allied air space, demonstrating the continued commitment of the Italian Armed Forces to the collective defense and deterrence of NATO and the protection of member countries.
“Italy has consistently demonstrated its capability and readiness in NATO Air Policing missions. Our presence in Romania demonstrates the commitment that the country continues to show for the security and stability of the Alliance”, said Colonel Marcello Vitucci, commander of Operation “Black Storm II”.
Throughout the operation, which for national aspects is directed and coordinated by the Joint Operations Command, the Italian aircraft will collaborate closely with the Romanian Air Force and with the air, land and naval assets of the allies present in the area of operation, integrating with other NATO forces to maintain a solid defensive and deterrent posture.
The missions of Air Policing NATO's airspace represents a fundamental pillar of collective security, ensuring continuous 24/7 surveillance of allied airspace.
