Italian Air Force activates new Task Group to strengthen Airlift Transportation in the Sahel
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| Italian Air Force C-27J Spartan takes off from a semi-prepared runway in the Sahel region. |
The Italian Air Force has recently activated the Task Group Air Sahel as part of the bilateral assistance and support mission to Niger (MISIN). The new Task Group, which reports to the MISIN Commander, will allow the service to expand operational and logistical capabilities within the mission in the Sahel.
The Air Sahel Task Group operates from Base Aérienne 101 Niamey, Niger, with the C-27J, which is a very versatile and flexible medium cargo aircraft capable of effectively carrying out multiple tactical transport missions, also operating from semi-prepared runways. or deteriorated, as well as paratroopers' missions. The latter are essential for the training of Nigerian Security Forces personnel by the MISIN Mobile Training Team.
The activities of the Task Group are integrated with those of the assets of the Command Forces for Mobility and Support of the Italian Air Force which guarantee the capacity of Airlift Transportation to the Sahelian Operational Theater. The Airlift Transportation ensures the transport of personnel, materials and vehicles wherever necessary, in Italy and abroad, with the ability to intervene in all conditions and with minimum notice, even in hostile territories.
The transport aircraft are deployed by the ITAF 46th Air Brigade which operates with C-27J, C-130J and C-130J-30 also from semi-prepared and small runways and by the ITAF 14th Wing which ensures the transport of large loads and passengers with KC-767A multi-mission aircraft.
The safety of operations, personnel and aircraft is guaranteed by the Italian Air Force riflemen who operate on board the cargo planes.
Since September 2018, the MISIN has been operating under a bilateral agreement between Italy and Niger, according to the multinational effort aimed at stabilizing the Sahel. With its Mobile Training Teams, made up of personnel from the Italian Army, the Italian Air Force, the Carabinieri and the Special Forces, the Italian mission in the area guarantees the increase of Nigerian capabilities in contrasting illegal trafficking and security threats, in the surveillance of borders and territorial control.
The MISIN has trained approximately 6,500 soldiers of the Niger Defense and Security Forces to date.
The Air Sahel Task Group operates from Base Aérienne 101 Niamey, Niger, with the C-27J, which is a very versatile and flexible medium cargo aircraft capable of effectively carrying out multiple tactical transport missions, also operating from semi-prepared runways. or deteriorated, as well as paratroopers' missions. The latter are essential for the training of Nigerian Security Forces personnel by the MISIN Mobile Training Team.
The activities of the Task Group are integrated with those of the assets of the Command Forces for Mobility and Support of the Italian Air Force which guarantee the capacity of Airlift Transportation to the Sahelian Operational Theater. The Airlift Transportation ensures the transport of personnel, materials and vehicles wherever necessary, in Italy and abroad, with the ability to intervene in all conditions and with minimum notice, even in hostile territories.
The transport aircraft are deployed by the ITAF 46th Air Brigade which operates with C-27J, C-130J and C-130J-30 also from semi-prepared and small runways and by the ITAF 14th Wing which ensures the transport of large loads and passengers with KC-767A multi-mission aircraft.
The safety of operations, personnel and aircraft is guaranteed by the Italian Air Force riflemen who operate on board the cargo planes.
Since September 2018, the MISIN has been operating under a bilateral agreement between Italy and Niger, according to the multinational effort aimed at stabilizing the Sahel. With its Mobile Training Teams, made up of personnel from the Italian Army, the Italian Air Force, the Carabinieri and the Special Forces, the Italian mission in the area guarantees the increase of Nigerian capabilities in contrasting illegal trafficking and security threats, in the surveillance of borders and territorial control.
The MISIN has trained approximately 6,500 soldiers of the Niger Defense and Security Forces to date.
Written by Matteo Sanzani
Source, Images: Italian Air Force
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