Poland: Italian Task Force Air 32nd Wing Reaches I.O.C

After the first familiarization and training flights of the F35 Lightning, the “Task Force Air – 32nd Wing” has reached I.O.C. (Initial Operational Capability) within the framework of NATO’s Air Policing operations (Block 63).

The Italian Air Policing mission will reach F.O.C. (Full Operational Capability) in the coming days with the deployment of two more F35s and will continue its stay at Malbork Airport in Poland until next November.

The Task Force Air – 32nd Wing, with F-35A aircraft from the 32nd Wing of Amendola and the 6th Wing of Ghedi, will ensure the control of NATO’s north-east flank – without interruption – through interception missions, thus guaranteeing a rapid intervention to protect airspace in the event of penetration by unidentified aircraft or that could represent a potential threat to allied skies.

Air Policing (AP) is a NATO operation, managed by the Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) in Ramstein (Germany), which is conducted since peacetime, without interruption 365 days a year.

The activities carried out in the Operational Theater are conducted under the coordination and according to the directives issued by the Interforce Operational Command (COVI), which is the High Command of the Defense responsible for the planning, coordination and direction of military operations, national and multinational interforce operations/exercises and related activities.

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