Italy Becomes First NATO Member to Receive Unique US Accreditation: What It Means

Italy reported that its special operations unit, the 17th Raiders Wing (17° Stormo Incursori), has become the first formation within NATO to receive accreditation from the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) for Global Access Operations missions. This capability refers to the ability to enable air operations in complex environments, including isolated areas, minimally prepared landing zones, or high-threat regions.

A recent example illustrating the relevance of such capabilities was an operation by US special forces to recover a weapons systems officer from an F-15E Strike Eagle reportedly downed over Iran. The case highlighted the importance of specialized personnel capable of rapidly establishing, assessing, and securing access for air operations in contested conditions. Such roles can be decisive in determining whether a mission can be executed.

Against this backdrop, the Italian Air Force confirmed that the 17th Raiders Wing (17° Stormo Incursori) is the first unit within NATO to receive certification from Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The decision indicates a high level of operational interoperability with the United States in this specific capability area. Personnel within the unit who are qualified as Combat Controllers are now part of a limited group of forces able to operate alongside US special operations components in complex, dynamic, and multi-domain environments.

At the same time, the accreditation does not imply that Italy can independently conduct operations at the same scale or complexity as those carried out by the United States. Such missions require substantial resources, technology, and personnel. However, the certification reflects a high level of readiness for Global Access Operations – a set of activities focused on establishing, securing, and maintaining access to designated areas to enable follow-on air operations and force deployment. These tasks include reconnaissance of airfields and air defence systems, the establishment of landing zones under constrained conditions, and support to humanitarian missions.

In addition, the accreditation reflects an increasing level of interoperability between Italian forces and leading allied air components. It follows a structured evaluation process that began in July 2023 and included reviews of documentation, procedures, technical and operational aspects, as well as field assessments. The training phase involved missions conducted at night and under complex conditions designed to replicate realistic operational scenarios.

A central element of this capability is Combat Control, which is considered a distinctive component within Italy’s defence system. Personnel in this role are trained to organize and manage aircraft takeoff and landing operations on temporary or improvised airstrips in remote and high-risk areas. Their responsibilities include assessing landing zones, analyzing terrain, and performing air traffic control functions across both military and, when required, civilian environments.

This capability is particularly relevant in situations where rapid deployment of air assets is required in areas with limited or damaged infrastructure, or where access must be established before the arrival of main forces. In practice, it extends beyond flight coordination to enabling the conditions under which air operations can be conducted in locations that would otherwise be difficult or inaccessible.

The acquisition of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) accreditation represents a milestone not only for the 17th Raiders Wing (17° Stormo Incursori), but also for Italy’s broader defence system. It contributes to the country’s role within the international security environment, where responsiveness, operational precision, and the ability to function across multiple domains are increasingly emphasized.

The 17th Raiders Wing (17° Stormo Incursori) is a top-tier special operations unit within the Italian Air Force. Its personnel are trained to conduct a full spectrum of special operations, as well as to support aviation-related tasks for Italy’s Joint Special Operations Command. These responsibilities include airfield seizure, the establishment of assault landing zones under complex conditions, and the deployment of Combat Controller teams. The training pipeline for unit members lasts approximately two years and includes instruction both domestically and abroad.

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Source: theaviationist