The Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft were part of the Task Group Typhoon of the Task Force Air of Italian National Contingent Command Air– Kuwait as part of the Coalition Operation Inherent Resolve.
To accomplish a long-lasting Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) mission, two Italian Air Force (ITAF) Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft achieved a record of eight continuous flight hours, from take-off to landing.
The pair were part of the Task Group Typhoon of the Task Force Air of Italian National Contingent Command Air (IT NCC AIR) – Kuwait as part of the Coalition Operation Inherent Resolve.
According to Eurofighter World Magazine, they were able to complete the flight milestone thanks to the expertise acquired in air-to-air refuelling activities and the support of Coalition tanker assets deployed in the area. Successfully accomplishing the mission demonstrates the full capability of Coalition Air Power against the DA’ESH.
The eight-hour assignment represents not only a new record for Italian Air Force Eurofighters, but it is also the longest ISR mission performed over Iraq skies. It’s a great example of the cooperation among the Coalition partners. The team was able to guarantee the persistence and presence of the Coalition in the operational area.
The Coalition came together to prevent the expansion of ISIL, formerly ISIS. Its aim is to provide the Iraqi Security Forces with the necessary operational support.
The Italian Air Force Eurofighters were first deployed to Kuwait for operation Inherent Resolve in March 2019, replacing the Italian AMX and Tornado aircraft, which previously operated in the area. It’s the first time Italian Air Force Eurofighters have been deployed abroad to carry out reconnaissance duties.
Over this three-year period the Eurofighters have demonstrated their full operational capability in ISR flight missions and contributed fully to enhance the Coalition’s Situational Awareness. The Italian Air Force Eurofighters provide high quality images and valuable information for the land and other coalition forces employed in the operational area.
The Eurofighter Typhoon delivers an enviable level of flexibility and efficiency. Only Eurofighter Typhoon possesses both adequate weapon availability (up to 6 bombs whilst also carrying six missiles, a cannon and a targeting pod) and sufficient processing power to simultaneously support missile in-flight updates and bomb in-flight targeting. True swing-role capability.
The aircraft is designed to be upgraded and extended in order to provide decades of effective use. Combining a proven, agile airframe built from stealth materials with the latest sensor, control and weapons systems delivers optimum combat capability – both beyond visual range (BVR) and in close combat.
The weapons systems, navigation technologies and control infrastructure are all designed to be upgraded, to continue to enhance the overall performance of the aircraft.
Photo credit: Italian Air Force
Our Italian readers can find further info about Eurofighter Typhoon on SpotyNews website.
