ITALIAN EUROFIGHTERS INTERCEPT IBERIA A320

Italian Eurofighters intercept Iberia A320.

Two Italian Air Force QRA Eurofighter Typhoons assigned to the 4° Stormo of Grossetto (Tuscany) intercepted an Iberia A320 aircraft that had lost radio communications with air traffic control authority during its route from Spalato to Madrid, on July 5, 2018.

The two fighter jets took off to intercept the liner while it was crossing the Italian airspace. In a few minutes they established a visual contact with the Spanish plane, ensuring that it was not in an emergency. The A320, after restoring communications, continued on its route, while the two fighters returned to the air base.

It was the second scramble done by Italian Eurofighters in a few days. Last week two Typhoons assigned to the 36° Stormo of Gioia del Colle (Bari) intercepted a Portuguese Cessna aircraft (More details here).

Both scrambles were ordered by the CAOC (Combined Air Operation Center) of Torrejon (Spain) that is the NATO unit responsible for the surveillance of the area, while the mission of the Typhoons has been controlled by the 22nd Radar Group of the Italian Air Force of Licola (Napoli).

The Italian Air Force provides surveillance of the national airspace 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, with an integrated defense system to that of NATO Allies. The ground surveillance service is managed by the 11th Integrated Missile Air Defense Unit of Poggio Renatico (Ferrara) and the 22nd Radar Group of Licola (Napoli), while flight operations are ensured by the 4° Stormo of Grosseto, 36° Stormo of Gioia del Colle and 37° Stormo of Trapani Birgi, all units are equipped with Eurofighter aircraft.

Written by Matteo Sanzani
Source, Image: Italian AF