GEOPOLITICA DEL MONDO MODERNO

Category archive

Defence - page 9

European Air Transport Command, the Italian participation is operational

Defence di

The Italian participation in the European Air Transport Command is operational. On December 4th 2014, Italy joined the protocol “pool & sharing” of military aviation, also signed by France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The purpose of the agreement – belonging to the Security Policy and Common Defense – is to improve and to optimize available resources, through the standardization of procedures and the use of a common fleet, larger than those of the individual countries. The Italian Air Force has carried out the “transfer of authority” to EATC (European Air Transport Command) of most of the fleet of transport aircraft, aerial refueling and medical evacuation. Specifically, the European Command will manage 31 aircraft including C-27J, C-130J and KC 767, belonging to the 46th Air Brigade of Pisa and the 14th Wing of Pratica di Mare, depending on the Command of Support and Special Forces. If national requirements make it necessary, it is possible to require control of the aircrafts, thanks to the mechanism of the revoke transfer of authority. In addition to the significant cost savings provided, the Italian adhesion to EATC enhances the ability of military aviation of excellence – such as transportation in high bio-containment – “turning” it in “receivable accounts” with aircrafts of other EU nations participating. It gains greater flexibility and reduce the outsourcing of commercial aircraft in case of unavailability of the national ones. The subscription permit to access an “oversize” transport capacity, ensure greater correspondence between aircraft type and characteristics of the request, with a substantial improvement of the cost effectiveness throughout the industry.
Viviana Passalacqua

France: new NH90 for Operation Barkhane

Defence/Innovation/Politics di

The Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the French defence procurement agency, confirms the acquisition of six additional tactic transport helicopters (Caiman model) from NH Industries, the Italian-French-Dutch industrial group owned by Finmeccanica, Airbus and Fokker. The delivery has been scheduled between 2017 and 2019.

[subscriptionform]
[level-european-affairs]

These new acquisitions are part of a more comprehensive renewal program to increase the helicopter fleet up to 74 Caiman units (44 of these to be delivered by 2019). The target is to reach, by the end of 2025, a fleet of 115 tactical NH90 helicopters, goal set in the Defence and Security White Paper in September 2013. As Guillaume Faury, President and CEO of Airbus Helicopters, highlights, “French armed forces have deployed the NH90 operationally in Mali, where its outstanding endurance, versatility and manoeuvrability have been greatly appreciated”.

The decision follows the request from the Army Air Corps to strengthen the capabilities of Operation Barkhane, in Africa. Last January, Gen. Oliver Gourlez de la Motte, chief of the Army Air Corps, announced the service goal to strengthen its forces, by providing 10 additional helicopters to the fleet, to be chosen between both attack and transport models. Last month, indeed, the DGA has ordered from Airbus Helicopters 7 Tiger attack helicopters, which will be delivered between 2017 and 2018.

The aim is to improve the capacity of French armed forces to conduct air-land operations in the Sahel region, in Sub-Saharan Africa. The NH90 has already been deployed in several operational theatres, showing capabilities and characteristics that make it an important resource for French forces engaged in Operation Barkhane. First of all, as already mentioned, its versatility. The NH90 can be employed in response to different tactical needs:

  • Troop and light armament transport, as it can carry up to 20 soldiers or 2.5 tonnes armaments;
  • Casualty evacuation with 12 stretchers;
  • Cargo airlift;
  • Combat, search and rescue operations.

Moreover, the additional equipment allows it to fit various needs that might arise in the operational theatre. The NH90 is provided with an automatic pilot and fly-by-wire (FBW) controls, a system that replaces traditional manual controls with an electronic interface. This reduces the workload for pilots, and makes the NH90 easier to manage. In addition, night vision sights, armor protection and electronic counter-measures make it suitable for combat operations.

These characteristics show how this vehicle becomes essential in an environment such as Sub-Saharan Africa. As we know, Operation Barkhane is a counter-terrorism operation, led by France in the Sahel region since August 2014, with Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Chad as participating countries. The aim is to contrast the presence of jihadist militants in the region, supporting the efforts of partner countries and to prevent the creation of terrorist sanctuaries. The 3000 soldiers engaged in the mission are based in two permanent fields, one in Gao (Mali) and the other in N’Djamena (Chad). Detachments are sent to temporary bases, located in the mission’s participating countries, from where missions to support their soldiers are launched. Therefore, it is clear how troop and armament transport is necessary to conduct the operation. Moreover, the particular environment –temperature, geographical and territorial conformation, etc.- is a key factor in elaborating interventions. The NH90 proves to be suitable for the African environment, given its endurance and versatility, which is essential in areas where difficulties and resource scarcity might undermine the aim of the mission and the lives of the soldiers involved. “The additional order of six NH90- says Guillaume Faury-…confirms the essential role that new-generation multi-role helicopters play in modern operations”.

It seem that attacks and threats to French nation and security have not changed its commitment towards foreign operations, in particular in missions targeting Islamic terrorism. By contrast, those elements, which proved to be effective, have been strengthen and pressure is made to the Government in order to reinforce French military capabilities. It is not just a matter of number of forces available but also – and most of all- of quality and technology, which have to be suitable for the type of environment and threat that soldiers are facing.

 

Paola Fratantoni

[/level-european-affairs]

 

 

Libya: UN endorsed Libyan deal

BreakingNews @en/Defence di

The UN Security Council endorsed UN agreement between Libyan factions on December 23.

[subscriptionform]
[level-european-affairs]
Written by UK, the unanimously resolution encouraged new Presidency Council to form national unity government within 30 days. Libyan stabilization is necessary to think about a military operation against Daesh, which will require a new resolution. This vote, which did not end arms embargo, urged all countries to help Libya to defeat Islamic State. UN envoy Martin Kobler is now working to allow new government to safely stay in Tripoli.

So, military intervention is expected from 2016. Italy, which wants to lead international mission, and UK will discuss to define targets and dispositions. Libya’s U.N. ambassador Ibrahim Dabbashi said Libya will hold off requesting Western countries, especially US and UK, to bombing Islamic State strongholds. While now, the priority was strengthening Libyan security capabilities with Western training and lifting the U.N. arms embargo.
Giacomo Pratali

[/level-european-affairs]

UNIFIL: Italian peacekeepers helps Lebanese ISF

Defence di

Lebanese authorities are deeply grateful toward the peacekeepers of the UNIFIL mission. The Italian contingent, currently made up of units of the Taurinense Alpine Brigade, completed and inaugurated an important project in favor of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF), near two of their facilities in the city of Tyre, in the south of the country.

[subscriptionform]
[level-european-affairs]

Specifically, they completed deliveries of four generators of medium and large capacity, installed in the main bases of the ISF to implement the provision of electricity of the centers of command and control of the Internal Security Forces, compensating for the lack of energy, which – in that area – is limited to few hours in daylight.

During the inauguration ceremony, held in base of the command of the 2nd mobile Regiment of ISF, local authorities have expressed appreciation for the cooperation and the proximity of the Italian contingent, dedicated to the support of the Lebanese armed forces as required by UN Resolution 1701.

 

Viviana Passalacqua

[/level-european-affairs]

Lebanon: Renzi visits Italian contingent

Defence di

Official visit of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to the Italian contingent in Lebanon, to verify the situation on the entire area of UNIFIL operation and to compliment the work of Italian troops in the south of the country. Accompanied by General Claudio Graziano, Chief of the Defence Staff, the Prime Minister has reached the military base Millevoi in Shama, the headquarters of the West Sector of UNIFIL, currently leaded by the Alpine Brigade “Taurinense”.

Waiting for him, the Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL, Major General Luciano Portolano, and the Commander of national Contingent, Brigadier General Franco Federici. Informal and warm Christmas greetings made by Renzi, who wanted to meet men and women of our contingent informally, expressing the closeness of the Italian government to them and to their families.

Great praise for the armed forces involved in peacekeeping missions and peacekeepers of Taurinense in Lebanon, operating within the framework of UN Resolution 170 in order to monitor the cessation of hostilities, support the Lebanese Armed Forces, and ensure appropriate support for the people local. «You are highly professional soldiers, you carry out your precious work in the service of the Italian institutions and peace, far away from your loved ones. You make us proud to be Italian», concluded the Prime Minister.

Viviana Passalacqua

Europe: new coast guard protecting borders

Defence di

The European Commission has decided to establish a European border and coast guard to ensure a strong and shared management of external borders. Regarding the principle of free movement of people, the new control body will protect the Schengen area and control migratory flows, through systematic inspections, based on the comparison with relevant databases.

[subscriptionform]
[level-european-affairs]

“The european coast guard and border – said Frans Timmermans, first Vice President of the European Commission – will identify any weaknesses in real time, thanks to the collective capacity to effectively manage crisis situations, in which a section of the external borders is subjected to pressure”. The new body will have a reserve team fast coastguard and a park of technical equipment made available by the Member States: the Agency will be able to count on at least 1.500 experts, whose intervention can be deployed within three days, obviating the need for workers or equipment for operations.

It will set up a monitoring and risk analysis centre to control migration flows in the EU and to analyze risk and vulnerability assessments of weaknesses. Europe also enshrines a right to intervene: the Member States can apply for joint operations and rapid border interventions.

In case of significant migration that threatens the Schengen area, the Commission will establish the urgent collective. Coastguards will be part of the national coast guard and border European insofar as border control operations take place. Finally, the responsibility with respect to the internal security is fundamental, in terms of control of cross-border crime and terrorism, in terms of combating cross-border crime and terrorism along with other EU agencies and international organizations.

Viviana Passalacqua

[/level-european-affairs]

Lebanon, joint exercises for Taurinense Brigade

Defence di

New round of joint exercises for Taurinense Mountain Brigade, who is leading the command of Sector West of UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. The activities cycle, planed to maintain their training level and to implement procedures with units coming from other countries, were concluded with the final coaching day near the village of Naqoura. In this area converged Italian maneuvering units, engaged with French and Ghanaian equivalent units in the simulation of a serious accident and of the following management of tension escalation. During the training the exploring units of the Nizza Cavalry Regiment, providing the Sector Mobile Reserve (reserve unit and rapid deployment) of the western sector of the UNIFIL mission, have implemented the application of standard procedures and rapid intervention. At the same time, the Brigade Taurinense staff, was responsible for coordinating and implementing the procedures of command and control through a series of specific exercises wich involved, now, most of the employed units, both national and foreign. All this within the framework of the activities undertaken by the Alpine troops in southern Lebanon, where, since two months, they ensure the control of the territory in their area of responsibility, in close coordination with the Lebanese armed forces, through continued joint patrols and a capillary presence on the territory, using the maneuver units of Nizza Cavalry Regiment (1st) and of the Alpine Battalion L’Aquila.
Viviana Passalacqua

Lebanon: Alpine B. helps population and LAF

Defence/Middle East - Africa di

The activity of the Italian soldiers engaged in the UNIFIL mission continues both in terms of cooperation with the local armed forces, than of support to the population. In these last days the General Staffs of the UNIFIL Sector West, based Taurinense Alpine Brigade, met the 5th Brigade of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in the military base of Shama.

[subscriptionform]
[level-european-affairs]
An important meeting, aimed at increasing integration and joint activities between the two Chiefs by planning common trainings. At the same time, the initiatives in favour of the local population carry on: in late November, Lebanese Red Cross of Tiro has received materials for hospital and healthcare, offered by donors from Novara and delivered by the soldiers of ITALBATT, the maneuver unit of the UNIFIL Italian contingent, currently based Nizza Cavalry Regiment.

“The donation was made possible thanks to the solidarity and cooperation shown by the Hospital “Maggiore della Carità”, by the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, by the “National Alpine Association – Novara section” and by the Oleggio Red Cross, important organizations who wanted to support actively the initiatives promoted for Lebanon by Nizza Regiment, ” as Colonel Massimiliano Quarto, commander of Italbatt, declared during the ceremony. The equipment – which includes 14 inpatient beds with mattresses and fireproof pillows, 1 stair lift and 1 multipurpose chair for disabled, 5 wheelchairs, and numerous boxes of disposables from surgery – will be used by the Red Cross for the normal activities of the hospital, and for subsequent distribution at home for chronic patients followed by the voluntary organization.
Viviana Passalacqua

[/level-european-affairs]

Lebanon, Unifil’s committment in spite of attacks

Defence/Middle East - Africa di

The Lebanon situation is getting worse. Since last September 11, three ambushes hit the Italian military forces engaged in the field. The final, against a patrol of Italian peacekeepers of UNIFIL mission, occurred in the south, on the border with Israel, near the base of Naqoura. During a routine patrol two cars blocked an armored Lynce and exploded several bursts of kalashinikov. The militiamen then looted the vehicle and fled after stealing a machine gun and some bullet-proof jackets. The General Staff of Defense denies any responsibility of IS, who instead claimed the attack in Beirut in which 41 people died of a few days before the terrorist attack against Paris. Lebanese authorities have launched investigations to clarify the sequence of events.

The presence of Shiites of Hezbollah in the territory would preclude any infiltration of Sunni IS or Al Qaida terrorists. Andrea Tenenti, spokesman for the UN force, said that «The investigation is pursuing, and Lebanese authorities join Luciano Portolano, General Commander of UNIFIL, in condemning the ambush». The UN Security Council reiterated its support to UNIFIL, asking to all parties the respect of their obligations to protect security of peacekeepers and of other members of the UN staff. Meanwhile, the Italian contingent continue the activity to contribute to the stability of the country and in favor of local population. During the first month of operation, the “Taurinense” Alpine Brigade has ensured compliance with the UN Resolution 1701, through the continuous control of the territory, and daily committing its structures in joint activities with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), both with patrols independent.

In addition to the activities aimed at maintaining the overall balance, the Italian contingent has promoted two new initiatives in high and middle schools of the Al Qulaylah municipality. The Italbatt Task Force led the first lesson of the Italian language course, included in the program of the school year 2015/16, while the medical staff held, on the proposal of the School Director, Mr Abdel Karim Hassan, a lesson in dental awarness.

France at war: G20 and EU openness

Defence/Europe/Middle East - Africa di

G20 in Turkey and the Eu Defense Ministers went along with a possible international cooperation in Syria. Although military, about deployment of ground troops, and political, the future of Assad, differences still divide the United States, Russia and European countries, military cooperation has already begun.

[subscriptionform]
[level-european-affairs]
Indeed, France continues to bomb Isis Raqqa strongholds. But, Syrian laic rebels reported that “jihadists ARE hiding among civilians”. And, just the possible civilians involvment is dividing European public opinion. So, while the state of war, declared by French President Hollande, finds consents concerning internal safety measures, the same can not be said on the outside ones.

Again in Syria, the United States and Russia are providing logistical help to France. Pphone conversation between Obama and Hollande has already established a cooperation plan, for which intelligence and special forces are involved. While Moscow has assured that “Moskva” missile cruiser will cooperate with French Navy.

Returning to the G20 in Antalya, the first meeting between Obama and Putin and the European leaders openings, as Merkel and Cameron, to a necessary military collaboration with the Kremlin against Isis, brought about a partial reconciliation among West and Russia. Moreover, there is Russian leader’s charget some G20 countries, as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, to have privately funded Daesh.

There was also a turning point at European level, because the EU Council said unanimously yes to military help to France against ISIS, as required by the Hollande. The High Representative Mogherini announced that, for the first time, it’ll apply the mutual-defense clause, invoking article 42,7 of Lisbon Treaty. The EU countries must provide military aid to France to combat terrorism.

At last, Italian Prime Minister Renzi gave a partially opening to military operation in Libya because “you do not necessarily win with weapons”, he said. Until two weeks ago, the military intervention in Libya seemed the priority. The attacks in Paris, however, overturned international agenda. European leaders are inclining towards interventionism. The risk is that a military response caused by two event, the Russian plane crash and the terrorist action in France, do not contain a plan for post-conflict reconstruction, as happened in Libya in 2011.
Giacomo Pratali

[/level-european-affairs]

Giacomo Pratali
0 £0.00
Vai a Inizio
×