Carabinieri Helicopter Squadron "Cacciatori di Sicilia"

The Carabinieri Helicopter Squadron "Cacciatori di Sicilia" (Squadrone Carabinieri Eliportato “Cacciatori di Sicilia”) is a Carabinieri Squadron (company-sized unit) based in the “Aeroporto Cosimo di Palma” Airbase, in Lentini, Italy. The unit was established on 13 May 2017.

According to Italian Minister of Interior Marco Minniti, the rationale of the establishment of the Carabinieri Squadron is to enforce the control projection capability on the Italian national territory; according to Italian Minister of Defence Roberta Pinotti, the establishment of the Carabinieri Squadron is due to the blending between internal and external security. Also opposition members of parliament of the Movimento 5 Stelle expressed support to the Squadron.

Carabinieri who are part of the Carabinieri Helicopter Squadron "Cacciatori di Sicilia" wear the red beret.

Mission
The Carabinieri Helicopter Squadron "Cacciatori di Sicilia" has the mission to support the territorial organization in patrolling Sicily's interior regions least accessible in search for important Mafia fugitives and rural law enforcement, by combining military and police techniques. In particular, the Carabinieri Helicopter Squadron "Cacciatori di Sicilia" patrols mountain areas, such as Nebrodi, Peloritani, and Madonie, also against arsonists.

If necessary, the Squadron provides support in rescue missions in natural disasters. For particular needs, the Squadron may be deployed in other Regions or support Carabinieri territorial commands.

The 60-troops strong Squadron was established on the basis of the similar Carabinieri Squadrons "Cacciatori di Calabria" (operating in Calabria) and "Cacciatori di Sardegna" (operating in Sardinia).

Organization
The Carabinieri Helicopter Squadron "Cacciatori di Sicilia" is 60 troops strong. The unit consists of two "Cacciatori" Platoons, in turn consisting of five teams of six Carabinieri each. The Squadron depends on the Deputy Commander of the Carabinieri Legion "Sicilia". The Squadron is supported by a Carabinieri helicopter detachment.

Related voices

 * Cosa Nostra;
 * Carabinieri Helicopter Squadron "Cacciatori di Sardegna"
 * Carabinieri Helicopter Squadron "Cacciatori di Calabria"