Italian Special Forces showcase air-to-land integration to advance NATO’s ACE and C-A2AD goals

Piacenza airbase was transformed into an austere advanced operating node to simulate an airfield in a contested region. The aim was to implement ACE in practice, increasing resilience and survivability across a multi-domain environment.

The mission mirrored the Global Access Operations model, centred on enabling Counter-A2AD effects by covertly securing a “landing strip of opportunity.” A Special Operations Task Unit infiltrated by HH-101A helicopter using the Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System to conduct Special Reconnaissance and Direct Action.

Their actions opened the way for air support, including Eurofighter aircraft delivering Close Air Support and a PA-200 Tornado conducting Ground Assisted Air Interdiction to reduce ground threats. Ground forces then enabled the controlled insertion of an F-35A Lightning II, essential for sanitising the contested area.

This capability is rooted in the work of the Combat Controller Teams of 17 Stormo “Incursori,” who specialise in accessing, opening, and protecting forward bases in hostile settings. These teams survey, assess, establish, and control aircraft movements on bare or austere strips, directly supporting the ACE concept.

A further key element was the establishment of a Forward Arming and Refuelling Point for the F-35A Lightning II. The FARP Team carried out a “hot refuelling,” meaning the aircraft was refuelled with its engine running and the pilot remaining onboard.

This procedure significantly reduced regeneration time, allowing the F-35A to return to operations within minutes. The ability to restore air power quickly from dispersed and austere sites is central to modern ACE planning.

The success of “Artiglio 2025” confirms the Special Ops Wing as a vital contributor to national aerospace projection. It also strengthens Italy’s overall response capability and its role within NATO’s collective defence in complex, multi-domain environments.