Orion carrying out IRINI’s mission

A few days ago, a Lockheed P-3C Orion (reg. 14809) from the Portuguese Air Force arrived at Sigonella Air Base. The aircraft is part of the assets assigned to Operation IRINI and is periodically deployed to the Sicilian base.

It is almost never possible to track it, as it always operates with its ADS-B transponder turned off. However, we should say “almost never,” because this morning it was actually possible to track it for an extended period during a mission conducted in the Sicilian Channel.

Operating at an altitude of around 4,000 feet and always in international waters, the four-engine aircraft first flew south of Malta and then farther west between Pantelleria and Lampedusa.

It is worth noting that Operation IRINI aims to enforce the arms embargo on Libya. This operation should not be confused with similar missions conducted on behalf of Frontex, which focus on monitoring illegal immigration.