Baltic Defenders: Policing NATO skies with the Italian Air Force

Giovanni Colla, Remo Guidi and Daniele Faccioli spent time with Italian Air Force Eurofighters as they took up the mission of safeguarding NATO's skies over the Baltic region

It is 0800hrs (local time) at Malbork Air Base in Poland on September 23. In the hangar that houses the Aeronautica Militare (AM; Italian Air Force) the contingent is at full capacity and the alert pilots are monitoring the radio communications.

A formation of two AM F-2000As (MM7307 ‘37-01’ and MM7288 ‘4-40’) and two Polish Air Force MiG-29Gs flying side by side patrolling the Baltic Area.
A formation of two AM F-2000As (MM7307 ‘37-01’ and MM7288 ‘4-40’) and two Polish Air Force MiG-29Gs flying side by side patrolling the Baltic Area. Giovanni Colla, Remo Guidi and Daniele Faccioli

The intelligence section – in constant contact with Command Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in Uedem, Germany, the command and control network combining radar and other facilities spread throughout the NATO’s air defence forces - informs of a possible ‘bogey’ (unidentified aircraft). Its close to NATO airspace and scales the readiness to 10 minutes in anticipation of a scramble call.

Soon the siren soun

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below