SITTI supports success of VOLCANEX ATS 26

SITTI played an important role in the successful completion of VOLCANEX ATS 26, the international exercise organised by the European Air Group (EAG) and hosted by the Italian Air Force at the Reparto Addestramento Controllo Spazio Aereo (RACSA) in Pratica di Mare, Italy, from 5 to 9 October 2026. The exercise brought together about 40 specialists from EAG member nations to enhance interoperability and improve the delivery of Air Traffic Services (ATS) in mobile and deployable operational environments, in line with NATO’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept.

SITTI contributed to the exercise with its TWR, APP/RADAR and ACC simulators, complemented by the Virtual-Pilot component, providing the technological capabilities needed to support realistic and complex training scenarios. These systems enabled participants to practise operational procedures, communications and coordination in challenging simulated environments, reflecting the demands of deploying and managing air traffic services under operational conditions.

The five-day programme combined theoretical instruction with practical simulations, focusing in particular on the activation of air traffic services and the transition from initial control by Combat Controllers to structured management by Air Traffic Controllers. The final demonstration, attended by military and civilian representatives, showcased the results achieved through a simulated scenario involving more than 600 aircraft.

The exercise was widely recognised as a success by both national and international participants, confirming the value of multinational cooperation, effective training and advanced simulation technologies in preparing personnel for demanding operational situations.

Through its contribution to VOLCANEX ATS 26, SITTI further demonstrates its commitment to supporting the training of air traffic control professionals and strengthening operational readiness and interoperability among allied forces. The exercise also represents an important step towards VOLCANEX ACE 27, planned for next year as part of AIR DEFENDER 27.