A Falcon 50 flies over the Mediterranean. First French reconnaissance flight for EUNAVFOR Med
(BRUSSELS2) A Falcon 50 maritime surveillance aircraft from the French Navy carried out its first reconnaissance flight over the Mediterranean on Friday (3 July). This is France's first operational contribution to the operation to combat trafficking networks (EUNAVFOR MED), launched on 22 June.
The plane, coming from the naval aeronautics base of Lann Bihoué, in Morbihan, took off from the naval aeronautics base of Hyères (near Toulon) at 10 a.m. A refueling in Sigonnella, Italy, allowed him to complete a three-hour overflight off Sicily. The intelligence collected was forwarded to the operation's tactical staff (FHS), based on the Cavour aircraft carrier. Three French officers are included in this command structure which has around a hundred officers from around ten European countries.
Italian decision
Also on Friday, the Italian Council of Ministers approved a decree-law authorizing Italian participation in EUNAVFOR MED, in particular through the provision of the Cavour and command structures in Rome, the Comando Operativo di vertice Interforze (COI) which is established at Centocelle military airport.
(NGV)
