The Italian Air Force has successfully completed its four-month mission to police the Baltic skies under NATO’s Baltic Air Policing (BAP) initiative. During its deployment, the Italian Air Task Force 4th Wing “Baltic Horse III” logged an impressive 800 flight hours, scrambled 33 Alpha scrambles, and intercepted 58 aircraft that were flying without authorization over NATO airspace. The Italian Air Force’s mission began on August 1, 2023, and achieved full operational capability (FOC) shortly thereafter. From that moment on, Italian aircraft have been safeguarding the skies of the Baltic Republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The mission’s success is a testament to the collaboration of both fighter pilots and technical maintenance personnel, who have worked tirelessly to support the aircraft and participate in the alert team shifts. In addition to the flight line, all staff who provide supplies, logistics, mobility, financial administration, personnel management, and installation safety on a daily basis played a crucial role in ensuring the mission’s success.
The Italian Air Force’s expertise and commitment to NATO’s mission were evident throughout the deployment. The frequency of Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) activations increased due to the changed and delicate geopolitical situation, but the Italian Air Force remained vigilant and ready to respond to any potential threats. “The successful completion of this mission is a reflection of the Italian Air Force’s professionalism and dedication to NATO’s collective security,” stated Colonel [Name], Commander of Air Task Force 4th Wing “Baltic Horse III.” “We are proud to have worked alongside our NATO allies to safeguard the skies of the Baltic Republics.” The Italian Air Force has a long history of providing air policing services in the Baltic region. This marks the third time that the Italian Air Force has been deployed to the region, having previously provided similar services in 2015 (blocks 38 and 39) and in the two-year period 2020-21 (blocks 54 and 55).
Key Points
The Italian Air Force successfully completed its four-month Baltic Air Policing mission.
The mission logged 800 flight hours, scrambled 33 Alpha scrambles, and intercepted 58 aircraft.
The mission is part of NATO’s efforts to safeguard the security of its airspace.
The Italian Air Force has a long history of providing air policing services in the Baltic region.
Additional Information
The Baltic Air Policing mission is a NATO-led mission to safeguard the airspace of the Baltic Republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania).
The mission was launched in 2004, following the accession of the three Baltic Republics to NATO.
The mission is currently conducted on a rotational basis by NATO member states.
The mission has been successful in deterring incursions into NATO airspace and ensuring the security of the Baltic Republics.
As the Italian Air Force hands over the mission to the Belgian and French air forces on November 30, they leave behind a legacy of excellence and commitment to the security of the Baltic region. The Italian Air Force’s contribution to NATO’s BAP mission is a valuable example of the alliance’s strength and unity in safeguarding the skies of its members. The Italian Air Force’s successful completion of its Baltic Air Policing mission demonstrates its unwavering commitment to NATO and its ability to carry out complex air operations. The mission is an integral part of NATO’s collective defense strategy, deterring aggression against its members and safeguarding the security of the Baltic region.
