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16h ago

Italian F-35s Scramble From Ämari to Escort Russian Aircraft

NATO released images of the mission to illustrate Italy’s integration of fifth-generation fighters into frontline air defence

Image
BE_1 An F-35A Lightning II with the markings of the 32nd Wing based at Amendola. (Image credit: Daniele Zanolini)

Overview

  • On August 13, NATO radars detected two Su-24 bombers and two Su-27 fighters near Baltic airspace, triggering a quick reaction scramble of two Italian F-35As from Ämari Air Base.
  • NATO Air Command published photographs showing an F-35 alongside a Su-27 and a separate image of a Su-24 to document the encounter.
  • The Italian Task Force Air – 32nd Wing detachment at Ämari remains on 24/7 quick reaction alert as part of the Baltic Air Policing rotation.
  • A NATO statement described the mission as a defensive response underscoring the alliance’s rapid-response capability and commitment to airspace integrity.
  • NATO reports indicated the Russian jets flew without filed flight plans, active transponders or radio contact with civilian air traffic control.