The Italian Air Force’s 36th Stormo of Gioia del Colle Air Base has commenced policing tasks over Albanian airspace as requested by Nato.

The 36th Stormo has employed typhoon fighters for the task, which involves air space surveillance, borders and infrastructure protection, interception of unauthorised aircraft and provision of assistance to aircraft with communication problems.

Albania, which is also a Nato member, lacks air assets for the policing task. Its air force only possesses helicopters and light aircraft deployed to support land forces on search and rescue missions and in civil protection roles.

The fourth wing at the Italian Grosseto Base has recently been certified as a Nato quick response force.