This afternoon we’ve tracked an Italian Air Force Leonardo EC-27J “JEDI” (registration number MM62224, c/s WAVE27), flying over northern Iraq.
The Leonardo EC-27J is a modified variant of the C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft, designed for electronic warfare missions. This version is used to disrupt and monitor enemy communications, providing tactical support to forces on the ground. The EC-27J is capable of conducting ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) operations, gathering information on enemy electronic signals for analysis and countermeasures. Over the past few decades, the Italian Air Force has developed significant capabilities in this type of operation, enhancing its technological assets to support international and intelligence missions.
The geographical area monitored by the radar includes vast portions of Iraq and northeastern Syria, key zones for Western military and intelligence operations, often linked to the fight against terrorist organizations such as ISIS and local extremist groups. In particular, Italy is part of the international coalition against ISIS, with operations primarily focused on supporting local forces, both in Iraq and Syria, and strengthening regional stability.
In recent years, Italy’s operations in the Middle East have centered on surveillance, training, and reconnaissance missions. Since 2021, reports confirm that Italy has increased its involvement, particularly through electronic surveillance missions, with the Leonardo EC-27J being one of its main assets.
Italy is engaged in various international operations, including Operation Prima Parthica, which is part of the Inherent Resolve (OIR) operation, led by the United States to defeat ISIS. The aircraft in the image may be part of one of these missions, aimed at ensuring the safety of forces on the ground by disrupting enemy communications and gathering crucial intelligence.
In modern conflict scenarios, electronic warfare plays a critical role. Disrupting and intercepting enemy communications can make the difference between the success or failure of an operation. Aircraft like the EC-27J provide the capability to temporarily neutralize the enemy’s communication abilities, facilitating allied operations. Furthermore, collecting information on enemy communication frequencies and systems allows for more targeted actions, reducing risks for troops on the ground.