REVIEW: Italian AMX retirement Spotters Day
The AMX Retirement Ceremony Spottersday 2024 was an emotional and historic event that drew aviation enthusiasts and military personnel to bid farewell to the AMX, a stalwart of the Italian Air Force for over three decades. Held at the iconic Istrana Air Base, the ceremony was a fitting tribute to the aircraft that has served with distinction in various roles, from ground-attack missions to reconnaissance.
On Friday, April 5th, at Istrana Air Base (North-East Italy), Homebase of the 51st Fighter Wing of the Italian Air Force, the phase-out ceremony of the AMX took place.
The event was attended by ItAF Chief of Staff Gen. Luca Goretti and thousands of people (former pilots and technicians, enthusiasts, and ItAF personnel).
It was an exciting 35-year flight with several missions in Italy and abroad for (maybe) one of the most underrated aircraft in the Italian Air Force's recent history. It was not the perfect fighter jet, as reasonably, as it does not have the appearance of a bomber, but believe it or not, the AMX has been the ItAF's most used fighter for operations overseas since the end of WWII.
One of the jets showed off a dedicated special livery to celebrate the AMX and its “worldwide” deployment.
The last Italian AMXs belong to the 132nd Squadron of the 51st Fighter Wing, the only ItAF squadron operating two different types of aircraft simultaneously: the Typhoons and the AMXs.
The flight operations kicked off with the impressive take-off of AMX’s and the Eurofighter Typhoons. These high-performance aircraft dazzled the crowd with a series of captivating flypasts, showcasing their speed and agility in the skies.
After several impressive flybys, a small formation of the renowned Frecce Tricolori Italian Air Force’s aerobatic team gracefully merged with the AMXs formation for a poignant flyby, uniting in a breathtaking display that marked the culmination of their winter training session.
Following this captivating moment, the aerial spectacle continued with exhilarating flybys featuring additional Italian Air Force aircraft such as the F-35 and Tornado, delighting the spectators and setting the stage for the commencement of the official ceremony on the ground.
The AMX Retirement Ceremony Spottersday 2024 was a resounding success, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia, education, and celebration. It was a day that honored the past while looking forward to the future, providing a fitting farewell to an aircraft that has served with distinction and pride. For those who attended, it was an unforgettable experience filled with moments of reflection, admiration, and inspiration.
As the AMX takes its place in the annals of aviation history, the memories of this special day will linger in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to witness it. The event was not just a retirement ceremony but a celebration of an aircraft that has left an indelible mark on the Italian Air Force and the world of aviation. To view all the captivating moments captured at the Spottersday, please click here to explore the complete collection of images.
