Anti-Aircraft Artillery: the Defensive Shield of National Critical Capabilities

A complex and articulated training activity conducted by the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command (COMACA) of the Italian Army concluded in recent days at the Salto di Quirra Interforces Range (PISQ) in Sardinia. The Missile Systems Launch Campaign SAMP/T and STINGER represented the culmination of an intense training path, aimed at integrating the main air defense capabilities and verifying operational procedures against threats from the "third dimension".

During the exercise, two ASTER 30 missiles of the SAMP/T system successfully intercepted radio-controlled Mirach-40 targets, simulating high-speed hostile vectors. At the same time, units equipped with STINGER shoulder-fired missiles engaged and neutralized various aerial targets, confirming the reactivity and precision of the anti-aircraft forces even against maneuvering targets. Additionally, C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems) systems were tested, increasingly relevant in countering asymmetric threats posed by drones.

An interconnected operational network between Sardinia and Sabaudia

The realism of the training scenario was also ensured by the command and control component, thanks to the use of a dedicated classified network that ensured continuous connection between the operational units deployed on the ground and the Higher Command, stationed in Sabaudia. This allowed testing the command chain, tactical communications, and centralized management of air defense operations in realistic conditions.

Highlighting the importance of the event, the Operational Commander of the Joint Forces Command (COVI), General of the Army Corps Giovanni Maria Iannucci, and the Commander of the Anti-Aircraft Artillery, Brigadier General Giuseppe Amodio, attended the Launch Campaign. Both expressed great appreciation for the efficiency and professionalism demonstrated by the deployed units, emphasizing the strategic role of the Anti-Aircraft Artillery in protecting forces, critical infrastructures, and national capabilities in modern multidomain conflict scenarios.

Continuation of training with Joint Stars 2025

The Launch Campaign represents the natural continuation of COMACA's participation in the joint exercise Joint Stars 2025, the most important training maneuver conducted by the Italian Defense. The event saw anti-aircraft batteries engaged in a series of sessions countering air and missile threats of varying intensity, simulated to protect a landing area intended for the deployment of allied forces.

Born in 2017, Joint Stars aims to combine the main joint exercises to train Command and Control capabilities in an increasingly integrated environment. For the Anti-Aircraft Artillery of the Italian Army, it was a fundamental opportunity to verify its interoperability with the Navy and Air Force, and to consolidate response capabilities against ballistic missiles, aircraft, and UAS threats, in line with the operational needs of national Defense and NATO.

A future increasingly interconnected for air defense

The exercise in Sardinia marks another step forward in strengthening Italy's defensive posture against advanced air threats. The evolution of warfare scenarios requires increasingly integrated, interoperable, and resilient systems, capable of reacting in real-time to challenges posed by technologically advanced adversaries or unconventional actors. In this context, the Anti-Aircraft Artillery of the Army confirms its essential role in protecting national critical capabilities and ensuring the security of Italian and allied airspace.