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last mo.

Italian F-35s Scramble to Intercept Russian Jets in NATO Baltic Air Policing

The action underscores NATO’s strengthened deterrence along its eastern flank with Italy providing F-35s for round-the-clock air defense from Estonia.

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Overview

  • On August 13, two Italian F-35 Lightning II fighters scrambled from Ämari Air Base to intercept Russian aircraft approaching Baltic airspace as part of NATO’s enhanced air policing.
  • The 32° Stormo detachment at Ämari maintains rapid-alert status 24/7, marking the first operational use of Italian F-35s in NATO Baltic air policing.
  • Italy recently assumed command of NATO Baltic Air Policing under Operation Baltic Eagle III, deploying 15 aircraft and 375 personnel to safeguard Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for the next four months.
  • Italy joined the F-35 program in 2015 through industrial participation by Finmeccanica/Leonardo and became the first European air force to operate the jet by 2018 after pilot training in the United States.
  • NATO Air Command describes the scrambles as a demonstration of collective air defense and deterrence against further Russian airspace incursions.