On April 5th, 2024, the Italian Air Force organized a special ceremony at Istrana Air Base, located in northeastern Italy, to mark the retirement of its fleet of AMX "Ghibli" aircraft. The AMX "Ghibli" light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft has been in service for 35 years, and its retirement marked an end to an era.

The 51° Stormo, which includes the 132° Gruppo, was the last unit to operate the light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. The aircraft had been a vital part of the Italian Air Force's fleet, used extensively in various missions, including combat operations, intelligence-gathering, and training exercises.

During the ceremony, the Italian Air Force revealed a special retirement paint scheme on the AMX. The paint job was a tribute to the aircraft and the men and women who had flown, maintained, and supported it over the years.

The retirement of the AMX "Ghibli" marked the end of an era for the Italian Air Force, but it also signalled the beginning of a new chapter. The Air Force is now looking to modernize its fleet with new and advanced aircraft to meet the challenges of the future.

Spotter Day

The Italian Air Force organized a remarkable event that offered aviation enthusiasts a unique opportunity to witness the final flights of the AMX "Ghibli" aircraft. The Spotter Day drew a considerable crowd from all over the country, eager to see the aircraft in action.

The ceremony was marked by the unveiling of the last Special Colored A-11B, which was painted exclusively to commemorate the occasion. The aircraft was beautifully presented with great fanfare, and it became the centre of attention for many attendees. The special-colored aircraft was a tribute to the AMX "Ghibli" aircraft that had served the Italian Air Force with distinction over the years.

The AMX "Ghibli" was a highly versatile and reliable aircraft that played a crucial role in the Italian Air Force's history. The aircraft was utilized in various roles, including ground attack, close air support, and reconnaissance. It had served the Italian Air Force with distinction, and its retirement marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the Italian Air Force's history.

Spotter Day was a unique opportunity for the public to witness the final flights of the impressive AMX "Ghibli" aircraft and pay tribute to its remarkable service to the Italian Air Force.

The Colour Scheme

The aircraft in question is a single-seater plane with the registration number MM7162/51-34. It features a unique livery that catches the eye, with a pilot who is seen wrapped in the tricolour of the Italian flag and the Latin phrase "Volatus ad astra, memoria in aeternum" inscribed on the aircraft's side. This phrase translates to "Flew to the stars, remembered forever" in English and is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the pilots who have flown this plane.

The plane's fuselage is adorned with a compass and a stylized world, depicting the missions that it has undertaken both within and outside the country's borders. This imagery symbolizes the aircraft's contribution to missions that have helped protect the country and its people.

Finally, the nose of the plane features the Armed Forces heraldic, which is a mark of respect and honour for the brave men and women who have served in the military. This aircraft is a true tribute to the spirit of the Italian Armed Forces and serves as a reminder of their unwavering commitment towards serving the country.

AMX

The AMX International AMX is a remarkable ground-attack aircraft that was developed as a joint venture between Brazil and Italy. The aircraft is known by the designation A-11 Ghibli in the Italian Air Force and A-1 in the Brazilian Air Force. The name "Ghibli" comes from the hot, dry wind of the Libyan desert.

The AMX aircraft has a unique history. In the early 1970s, the Italian manufacturer Aermacchi conducted a design study for a prospective light ground attack aircraft, which was given the designation of MB-340. It was intended to meet the Italian Air Force's requirement for a new-build strike fighter that could replace its existing Aeritalia G.91 in the close air support role.

In 1977, the Italian Air Force issued a requirement for 187 new-build strike fighters, and the MB-340 was the perfect candidate for the job. It was a versatile aircraft that could perform ground attacks, air-to-air combat, and reconnaissance missions. However, Italy needed a partner to share the development and production costs of the aircraft.

In 1980, the Brazilian government announced its intention to participate in the program to provide a replacement for the Aermacchi MB-326. Brazil's participation was a welcome development, as it would help to reduce the costs of developing and producing the aircraft. As a result of a memorandum between Italy and Brazil for the type's joint development in 1981, AMX International, an Italian-Brazilian joint venture, was formed to develop, manufacture, and market the aircraft.

The AMX aircraft is a remarkable example of international cooperation and innovation. It has served both the Brazilian and Italian air forces with distinction, and its capabilities have been proven in numerous conflicts and peacekeeping missions around the world.