Italy to continue enhanced air policing service in Switzerland

Italian Air Force F-2000A Typhoon.

On 3 December 2020, the Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, Lt. Gen. Alberto Rosso, and his Swiss counterpart, the Commander of the Swiss Air Forces Gen. Bernhard Müller signed two important bilateral agreements.

The first concerns the use of the cross border area by the air forces of the two nations for joint training activities. The second confirms the commitment of the Italian Air Force to guarantee the defense of Swiss airspace (Air Policing).

During the meeting they also agreed to make their skills mutually available in the training, training, operational and logistic fields, with a focus on the connectivity of sensors and systems that guarantee information exchange.

The agreement between Italy and Switzerland for the use of common areas across the border dates back to 2009. It mainly defines the geographical area and the conditions of use.

As for the air defense, it will probably be ensured by Eurofighters belonging to the 51st Wing at Istrana AFB, northern Italy, due to the favorable geographical position.

Written by Matteo Sanzani

Source, Image: Italian Air Force