Two Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from the Italian Air Force achieved a record of eight continuous flight hours, from take-off to landing, to accomplish a long-lasting Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) mission.
The pair were part of the Task Group Typhoon of the Task Force Air of Italian National Contingent Command Air (IT NCC AIR) – Kuwait as part of the Coalition Operation Inherent Resolve.
They were able to complete the flight milestone thanks to the expertise acquired in air-to-air refuelling activities and the support of Coalition tanker assets deployed in the area. Successfully accomplishing the mission demonstrates the full capability of Coalition Air Power against the DA’ESH.
Not only does the eight-hour assignment represent a new record for Italian Air Force Eurofighters, but it is the longest ISR mission performed over Iraq skies. It’s a great example of the cooperation among the Coalition partners. The team was able to guarantee the persistence and presence of the Coalition in the operational area.
The mission was achieved thanks to in-depth planning, as part of a well-structured training and maintenance system. The Italian Air Force has put in place a proven logistic chain of flight engineers and technicians, as well as spare parts, to ensure the availability and efficiency of its deployed aircraft on 24/7 basis.
The Coalition came together to prevent the expansion of ISIL, formerly ISIS. Its aim is to provide the Iraqi Security Forces with the necessary operational support.
The Italian Air Force Eurofighters were first deployed to Kuwait for operation Inherent Resolve in March 2019, replacing the Italian AMX and Tornado aircraft, which previously operated in the area. It’s the first time Italian Air Force Eurofighters have been deployed abroad to carry out reconnaissance duties.
Over this three-year period the Eurofighters have demonstrated their full operational capability in ISR flight missions and contributed fully to enhance the Coalition’s Situational Awareness. The Italian Air Force Eurofighters provide high quality images and valuable information for the land and other coalition forces employed in the operational area.
(via eurofighter.com, photo via Italian Air Force)
