Italian Air Force F-35A stealth fighters over Iceland (Photo Credit: Norwegian AF). |
The main requirement for a Fighter Aircraft involved in a NATO mission is the ability to perform Quick Reaction Alert - QRA activities. Air Policing missions in the Baltic, Iceland or Romania require fighter jets and crews ready 24 hours a day for weeks or months. Modern fourth and fifth generation aircraft such as Eurofighter, Gripen or F-35 boast the ability to operate in all environments, day and night and require little maintenance and a limited number of equipment and personnel, making them suitable for all NATO operations. They can take-off on alarm in minutes and reach a target very quickly, offering a very high sortie rate.
From 2019, NATO can also count on the most advanced aircraft currently available, the F-35, it offers unique capabilities compared to those of other aircraft that discourage the actions of enemies.
Over the years, partner nations' fighter jets have participated in and successfully conducted several NATO air police missions, performing thousands of take-offs, flying hours and interceptions. Often they have come face to face with potentially hostile aircraft and have always successfully completed their mission.
Written by Matteo Sanzani