On Thursday 22nd March 2018, two Eurofighter F-2000s of the Italian Air Force had intercepted an Air Boeing 777 in the region of Lombardy, in Northern Italy.
The airliner has lost radio with ENAV, the Italian Authority for air traffic control service.
The two Eurofighters are based at the 51st Storm of Istrian Air Force Base. The scramble order was received from the CAOC (Combined Air Operation Center) of the Torrejon's NATO entity. CAOC is responsible for the air space surveillance service. Due to the urgent reaction timing needed in these cases, the F-2000s have broken the sound barrier. Despite the high altitude, the sound was even heard at ground level.
In Italy there are 6 bases with this duty, all equipped with Euro Fighter, one of today's most advanced military aircraft. Air space surveillance is guaranteed 24/7 thanks to cooperation between air forces, NATO and national authorities.
