Italian mil plane along the French coast

[Supra]

I had assumed (possibly incorrectly?) that as its operated by the 'Guardia Di Finanza' (Italian Customs) it was linked to the shared European responsibility for patrolling the French coast in a bid to reduce Migrant smuggling operations to the UK. Given the recent sea states over the last few weeks I could barely imagine setting sail in a sizable sea-going vessel, much less in a 'Toys-R-Us' inflatable raft? I too would welcome confirmation of its mission?

[Kurnass]

Your assumption is correct, it is temporarily based at Lille for the Frontex mission against illegal migration to the UK. Previously done by French Customs Be350, and Danish Challenger

[Discodaz]

i think its flying.....


.....i will get my coat

daz

[Supra]

Thanks for confirmation Kurnass. I was aware of the DAF Challenger & French( Douane Française) BE-350 flying similar profiles over recent months .

[Supra]

Affirm! It's all over the map extract you attached to your OP.

[mowlieman]

This seems to have this week been replaced on Frontex duties by PH-EAE , Dornier 328 , again operating out of Lille.

[AK01]

Italian was still active over the channel last night, so perhaps added i.o. replaced?

[mowlieman]

Thanks, assumption on my part having noted the Dornier this morning.

[AK01]

The Italian went home yesterday the 5th. So it looks like it was a small overlap only.
Pieter,

[acw367]

Thanks for confirmation Kurnass. I was aware of the DAF Challenger & French( Douane Française) BE-350 flying similar profiles over recent months .

This is an interesting article on the Danish participation. https://www.forsvaret.dk/en/roles-and-r ... l-borders/ Their Challenger is currently operating for FRONTEX detachment patrolling between Southern Spain and North Africa.

I have always found the Danish Challenger crews the best to talk to a RIAT. Always lovely to tour their little of Bizjet that has Maritime Patrol Kit on one side and VVIP seats on the other to transport their Prime Minister to international meetings. Alongside the VVIP transport and Maritime Patrol military shipping roles and support to FRONTEX migration patrols, they also undertake sovereignty visits to Greenland and land on both Ice and Gravel runways over there. Hugely varied job these crews do.