RAMSTEIN, Germany - From December 2 to 13, 2024, NATO’s Exercise Poggio Dart 24 demonstrated the strength and solidarity of the NATO Alliance, in the airspace over north-eastern Italy.
Organized by the Deployable Air Command & Control Centre (DACCC) based out of Poggio Renatico, Italy, exercise Poggio Dart brought together almost 30 aircraft, land and maritime forces and cutting-edge technologies to train for the challenges of a rapidly evolving security landscape.
This exercise not only strengthens our readiness and skills, but also reinforces the bonds of interoperability and cohesion
United States F-16s jets flew alongside Italian Air Force F-35s, Eurofighters, Predators, and the innovative Sirius system. The Italian Naval F-35Bs and Harriers joined the ranks, in addition to Germany’s Learjet.
NATO’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), stationed in Germany, increase situational awareness and early warning capabilities, while the DACCC deploys its highly sophisticated Deployable Active Defence Radar (DADR), Ground Air Ground (GAG) module at Cervia Air Force Base, Italy.
NATO’s Airborne Warning and Control System increase situational awareness and early warning. Picture by OR-5 Andrew Sarver
Italian F-35s, Eurofighters, Predators, and the innovative Sirius system participated in Poggio Dart 2024. Achieved imagery courtesy of the Italian Air Force
The DACCC orchestrating the full spectrum of air operations, from planning to real-time execution including control of Air Operations. Photo courtesy of the DACCC
The dynamic scenario provided the opportunity to execute more than 20 sorties per day, some dedicated to offensive air operations, which were controlled, from a forward position by the German and the Italian Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC).
“As exercise Poggio Dart 24 unfolds, we are witnessing top cooperation and coordination among our Allied forces,” said Major General Maineri, Commander of the DACCC. “This exercise not only strengthens our readiness and skills, but also reinforces the bonds of interoperability and cohesion that are the foundation of NATO’s solidness.”
Poggio Dart is a challenge of tactical innovation. The DACCC orchestrating the full spectrum of air operations, from planning to real-time execution including control of Air Operations. Highlighting the DACCC’s capability as an autonomous Air Command and Control node. Ground controllers, fighter pilots, and naval aviators operate seamlessly, demonstrating NATO’s capability as a unified force capable of responding decisively to any potential threat.
Exercise Poggio Dart 24 reaffirms the Alliance’s commitment to stand as one, promoting cooperative security among the NATO members through the interoperability of different types of assets. Each sortie, each mission plan, and every tactical manoeuvre demonstrates the firm commitment to mutual defence and operational readiness.