Italian Air Force

The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) is a sophisticated and modern air arm, reflecting Italy's status as a significant NATO member and a regional power in Europe. The service operates an array of modern aircraft, primarily of Western origin, covering roles from air superiority to transport and aerial refueling.

The F-35 Lightning II has become a central component of Italy's future air capabilities, signaling the nation's commitment to a fifth-generation air force. This platform enhances the Italian Air Force's abilities in multi-role missions, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and the capacity for integrated operations with NATO allies. The Italian Air Force is also one of the few air arms globally to operate a dedicated attack helicopter unit, providing the force with additional ground support capabilities.

Apart from the F-35, the Eurofighter Typhoon forms the backbone of Italy's air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. As a member of the consortium that developed the Typhoon, Italy has had a say in the aircraft's capabilities and upgrades, ensuring that it meets its specific operational requirements. The older Tornado IDS/ECR aircraft, primarily used for electronic warfare and ground-attack roles, have been in the process of being phased out but have provided valuable service and versatility over the years.

One of the strengths of the Italian Air Force is its focus on training and human capital. Italian pilots are trained through a rigorous program that includes stages in the United States and within Italy. The air force also participates in multinational exercises, often hosting them, like the annual "Spring Flag" exercise, allowing its personnel to gain experience in realistic combat scenarios and improving interoperability with allied forces.

However, Italy’s military budget constraints have had an impact on the air force. Even though it maintains a robust fleet and pursues modernization, resource limitations could potentially affect operational readiness and the pace of future upgrades.

Key facts

Official Name	Italian Air Force
Local Name	Aeronautica Militare
Country	🇮🇹 Italy
World rank	#13
Active aircrafts	850 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	135
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	404
Combat aircrafts	191
Training	190
Transport	32
Special missions	27
Tankers	6

Aircrafts most used by Italian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	132	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
NH90	105	European multinational medium-sized military helicopter, known for deployment in various peace-keeping and combat missions since the 1990s.
Typhoon	92	European multirole fighter, renowned for service in multinational military operations since late 20th century, noted for superior air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities.
Tornado	71	European multirole combat aircraft, renowned for operational history in Gulf War and Balkans conflict.
MB-339	70	Italian trainer aircraft, recognized for its Cold War era inception, extensively deployed for advanced pilot training and light attack roles.
A129 Mangusta	58	Italian attack helicopter, designed in the 1980s, extensively deployed for reconnaissance, fire support, and anti-armour operations.
MD-500	39	American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.
AW139	32	Italian multi-purpose helicopter, highly significant in SAR, EMS, offshore transportation, law enforcement roles, since its introduction in 2003.
206 JetRanger	30	American light helicopter, well known for civilian, military, emergency medical services, and offshore oil support roles since the 1960s.
SF-260	30	Italian light military trainer, globally utilized since the 1960s, renowned for its aerobatic capabilities and air force service.

Full inventory in 2024