Italian naval jets over the Black Sea

Training mission as a NATO deterrent?

NATO appears to want to increase its deterrence in south-east Europe: As the headquarters of the Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO, Oeiras/Portugal) reported on its social media channels last weekend that modern Italian F-35B fighter jets had recently completed a "training mission" over the Black Sea. They are said to have received support from a French A330 MRTT tanker aircraft. Both STRIKFORNATO and the Allied Joint Force Command in Naples (JFC Naples) published visual material on the subject, but were reluctant to provide further details.

F-35B approaching the "Cavour". Photo: Marina Militare

According to the photo and video, the units undertook the flight during the day and at high altitude; clouds obscure the view of the ground, so it is not clear where the images were taken. Only two jets and a tanker can be seen. Corresponding markings below the cockpit of the F-35Bs indicate that they belong to the Italian Navy. The Marina Militare has 15 F-35B Lightning IIs for its carrier "Cavour", while the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) operates a further 15 aircraft for missions from smaller airfields - in addition to 60 F-35As). Only one wing of the A330 MRTT can be seen.

The STRIKFORNATO headquarters reported on its social media channels such as Instagram and LinkedIn that the flight was carried out under its command and control. The occasion was this year's first execution of the "enhanced Vigilance Activity NEPTUNE STRIKE", which began on 1 April (eVA, NEST 25-1).

Background to NEPTUNE STRIKE

NEPTUNE STRIKE is neither a long-planned exercise with a predefined course of events nor an operation in the sense of a deployment according to German understanding. Rather, it is about integrating high-value maritime capabilities such as aircraft carriers into allied structures at short notice. This is usually done by transferring command to a NATO organisation ("transfer of authority", TOA). The process plus subsequent multinational and multidimensional missions are intended to radiate increased vigilance, i.e. deterrence.

F-35B of the Marina Militare on land. Photo: Marina Militare

NEPTUNE STRIKE is STRIKFORNATO's flagship project and has been taking place regularly in Europe and the surrounding waters since spring 2022 - albeit at varying intervals and in different guises. The latter affects, among other things, the duration, the scope of the forces involved and the regional focus.

According to the STRIKFORNATO press release, the focus of NEST 25-1 is on NATO's southern flank, which includes the Mediterranean and the Black Sea plus the respective neighbouring countries. Forces from 13 nations are to take part in the eVA. Germany is not listed.

Nothing new in general, but in particular

NATO fighter jets over the Black Sea are nothing new: "Southern Air Policing" has been in place over Romania and Bulgaria, including their coasts, since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. A continuous rotation was established in 2017. As a result, jets from other NATO countries are constantly supporting the two countries in monitoring their airspace. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the mission was expanded and is now called "enhanced Air Policing South" (eAPS). Germany regularly participates with Eurofighters and associated ground personnel.

F-35B on the flight deck of the "Cavour". Photo: Marina Militare

The deployment of the two Italian F-35Bs over the Black Sea is nevertheless something special: On the one hand, it is a first in the history of NEPTUNE STRIKE. The intention behind the flight was to strengthen NATO's presence in the region. On the other hand, the flight does not appear to have served the purpose of airspace surveillance, but can instead be seen as a demonstration of power. This is supported, for example, by the wording used in the social media posts about the aerial refuelling. According to this, the Alliance would be able to reach every corner of its area of responsibility ("non-stop readiness in our mission to deliver high-end capabilities to every corner of NATO territory").

Text: Editorial office / Helge Adrians

Source / Photos: Insta / NATO.int / bmvg.de