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Italian Typhoons Conduct First Air-to-Ground Training in Lithuania as Part of Baltic Air Policing.
On November 19, 2024, the Italian Ministry of Defense announced that, for the first time, the Aeronautica Militare’s Eurofighter Typhoons, deployed in Lithuania as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission, had conducted air-to-ground training exercises. This significant milestone highlights their operational versatility and strengthens interoperability within NATO. These exercises mark a notable development in Italy's commitment from Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania.
Italian Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Jet. (Picture source: NATO)
During a training mission at the Cudgel Range in Lithuania, the Italian Typhoons, operating under Task Force Air 36th Wing, were equipped with LITENING V Laser Designation Pods (LDP) and carried GBU-48 Enhanced Paveway II bombs. These 1,000-pound (454 kg) precision-guided munitions feature dual-mode guidance (GPS and laser). The exercise also included realistic Close Air Support (CAS) scenarios, coordinated with Lithuanian Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), who directed the pilots toward their targets.
The mission aimed to enhance tactical coordination and interoperability between NATO’s air and ground forces while allowing Italian pilots to familiarize themselves with the Baltic operational environment. Italian Air Force officials emphasized that the operation required the creation of Weapon Danger Zones and other safety measures, underscoring the meticulous planning involved in these exercises.
Although the Italian Eurofighters are primarily deployed in Lithuania for Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions under NATO's Baltic Air Policing initiative, their participation in air-to-ground exercises demonstrates their multi-role capabilities. This versatility allows the aircraft to transition seamlessly from air-to-air missions to air-to-ground operations, making the Typhoon a valuable asset for NATO missions.
Italian Typhoons also conducted joint training with Lithuanian military units, simulating ground attacks using the aircraft's onboard cannon, evasion maneuvers against simulated Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) threats, and defensive countermeasures such as the release of flares to counter infrared-guided missiles. These drills reflect the Aeronautica Militare's readiness for high-intensity combat scenarios.
Italy's presence in Lithuania is part of the "Baltic Thunder II" deployment, which began in August 2024 with four Eurofighters stationed in the country. The deployment involves aircraft from multiple Aeronautica Militare wings, including the 36th Wing (Gioia del Colle), 4th Wing (Grosseto), 37th Wing (Trapani), and 51st Wing (Istrana), along with specialized units such as the G.550 CAEW and Beechcraft 350 SPYDR from the 14th Wing (Pratica di Mare), dedicated to intelligence and surveillance operations.
The Baltic Thunder II Task Force achieved Full Operational Capability (FOC) on August 1, 2024, and will remain operational until March 2025. By October 2024, the Italian detachment had logged over 500 flight hours and conducted 20 Alpha Scrambles (alert launches under QRA missions), underscoring its significant contribution to NATO airspace security in the Baltic region.
The successful air-to-ground exercises carried out by Italian Eurofighters as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission underline NATO’s increasing focus on strengthening integrated force capabilities. These exercises not only improve tactical interoperability with allies but also demonstrate the Italian Typhoon’s ability to meet a wide range of operational requirements.
As the mission progresses, the Aeronautica Militare continues to play a key role in securing NATO airspace and contributing to collective defense in Eastern Europe. This milestone reinforces Italy's commitment to NATO and its operational readiness to face emerging security challenges.
The Eurofighter Typhoon originated in the 1980s, a period when European air forces faced the need to modernize their aging fleets of fighter aircraft. At the time, operational aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II, F-104 Starfighter, Mirage III, and Tornado F3 ADV were becoming obsolete and unable to meet the demands of modern conflicts. Designed during the Cold War, these aircraft could no longer guarantee air superiority or perform multi-role missions effectively.
To address this need, five European nations—Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and France—launched a joint program in 1983, called the European Fighter Aircraft (EFA). The goal was to develop an advanced fighter capable of bolstering collective defense capabilities while sharing costs and fostering industrial cooperation across Europe. However, disagreements soon emerged among the partners. France, in particular, sought an aircraft tailored to its specific national needs, including naval missions. In 1985, France withdrew from the project to develop the Dassault Rafale, while the other four nations continued with the design of the aircraft based on common specifications.
The development of the Eurofighter Typhoon was structured around specific needs for each nation. Germany aimed to replace its F-4 Phantom II, the United Kingdom intended to retire its Tornado F3 ADV, and Italy and Spain sought to modernize their fleets of F-104 Starfighters and Mirage III. After a decade of negotiations and technical work, the four countries signed a production contract in 1998 for an initial total of 620 aircraft, proportionally distributed. The aircraft's manufacturing was entrusted to a consortium of industries, including BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo, ensuring an equitable distribution of tasks among the partners.
Deliveries of the Eurofighter Typhoon began in 2003. This advanced aircraft quickly became a cornerstone of European air forces, undertaking missions in air defense, deterrence, and allied support. Today, it stands as a testament to successful European technological collaboration despite the challenges encountered during its development.