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Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare)
Cold War Developments

Shattered in World War II, the air force had a small contingent fighting with the Allies as the war ended. It was rebuilt after 1951 with major United States assistance under provisions of the bilateral military assistance agreement signed in 1950. In 1990, following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Italy joined the coalition forces, and for the first time in 45 years, Italian pilots and aircraft were tasked with military wartime operations.

The Paris Peace Treaties of 1947 placed severe restrictions on the Italian armed forces, but becoming a member of NATO in 1949 opened the way for modernization of the AMI. With American military aid, through the Mutual Defense Assistance Program, the AMI saw the arrival of P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt piston-engined fighters. Later in 1952, the best aircraft of the period - F-84G, F-86E and F-84F fighters and C-119 transports - came to Italy. Not so happy to see foreign-designed aircraft serving the AMI, the reborn Italian aviation industry began to develop and produce aircraft of its own like the Fiat G-91, Aermacchi MB-326, Piaggio P-166 and the line of Augusta-Bell helicopters.

The Air Force reorganized its squadrons and its structure for technical and logistic services in 1969. Many problems had to be overcome in the interests of national defense and their solution has been influenced by the imperative demands of domestic economy and the burdens and responsibilities assumed by Italy as a member of NATO. Competent authorities had to take into account the evolution taking place all over the world and the need to create an air force that, for size and efficiency, can successfully repel aerial attack and give support to army and naval forces. Therefore, priority was given to new squadrons of operational aircraft, and others capable of cooperating with the other two services.

The 1970s witnessed the acquisition of the Aeritalia G-222 and Lockheed C-130, which renewed the transport fleet, and the Lockheed-Aeritalia F-104-S, a fighter-variant of the Starfighter developed specifically to meet the requirements of the Italian defense system. In 1985 about 40 percent of the air force's 70,600 personnel were conscripts serving 12 month terms of active duty. The air force reserves numbered about 28,000. Most combat aircraft were either American Lockheed F-104s or Italian Aermacchi MB 339s, and the air force was considered a creditable element of the NATO defense structure.

Many arduous problems have had to be answered. Unfortunately, replacement of operational aircraft had been the cause of more prolonged maintenance of the F-86K, which was to have been replaced with the F-104S. Research on all-purpose operational aircraft - known conventionally as MRCA 75, had been carried out for some time by the technical and logistic services of the Italian Air Force and by other nations interested in the project (Great Britain, West Germany and Holland). Although the VAK 191/B project had not been completed, progress has been made in experiments with the vertical take-off and landing system. International cooperation in this field has been very successful and uniform planning techniques have been introduced. By 1970 plans were being made for the replacement of C-119 transport aircraft and discussions were being held as to the exact performance qualities needed.

Steps were taken to replace current reconnaissance aircraft with the F-104 and the question had been discussed with allied nations. In view of the need to modernize squadrons responsible for escort and anti-submarine warfare,, the technical branches of the Navy and the Air Force had examined various projects concerning the replacement of present aircraft with others of greater autonomy and maneuverability, The talks covered the whole question of anti-submarine warfare, the absolute needs at the time and the necessity for choosing only one type of aircraft. A study was made on flight characteristics and performances of different types of aircraft, and competent authorities decided that some should be withdrawn from service altogether while trials continue with others. A number of MB 326 aircraft were ordered for flying training schools. In fact, training on squadrons and apt flying schools was particularly intense in the 1960s.

In the late 1970s Italy cooperated with West Germany and Britain in the development of the G 222 twin turboprop general purpose military transport aircraft, and the Tornado multiple role each of the three countries. Development of the Italian Brazilian jointly designed AM X fighter ground attack aircraft, however, was slowed in 1985 by the crash of the prototype during a test flight.

In 1985 the air force had 300 combat aircraft, including all weather fighters, ground attack fighters, and maritime and electronic reconnaissance aircraft. Other kinds of aircraft included transport, communications, and search and rescue. The air force also had over 200 helicopters. Air defense fighter squadrons were supported by eight surface to air squadrons armed with Nike Hercules missiles. In 1985 the air force also managed the territorial electronic surveillance system as well as a semiautomatic integrated system for air defense. Air force personnel also served as air traffic controllers for all civilian and military aircraft. The Air College, at Pozzuoli, combined scientific and technical training with a general education deemed conducive to the development of future officers. Graduates receive commissions as either flight or engineering officers.

The Italian Air Force participates in numerous allied exercises, many of them concerned with training in navigation. A mutual aircraft assistance service between Italy, Greece and Turkey was initiated. Exchanges took place between Italian and allied squadrons and there are frequent naval and amphibious operations during which Italian aircraft were required to carry out simulated attacks against convoys and give support to landings.

In addition, mention must be made of the Italian Acrobatics Flight, one of the most famous in the world and worthy heir of those that earned such prestige between 1923 and 1960. The flight, which belonged to the 313th 'Training Squadron, developed the technique and reactions of pilots. These are posted at intervals from all squadrons according to strict rotation. Domestic air 11nes and clubs have benefitted from some decisions made by the Air Force, including full cooperation with civil aviation authorities and the training of civilian pilots at service flying schools.

The institution of a "Documentation Center of the History and Science of Flight" houses aircraft of historical importance, prototypes, documents and projects relating to the Air Force and its past and other material related to flying. A "Museum of Flight" was also opened. Close relations have been maintained with government departments, particularly with regards to the training of flight crews and pilots for public services. An agreement was signed with the Ministry of the Interior for the training of helicopter pilots for the National Fire Service, and with the Ministry of Agriculture for similar purposes.

Technical and professional assistance was offered to many African states. The Congo has benefitted chiefly from this, for, under an agreement signed in 1964, Italy helped that state to complete a project which provided a sound basis for the Congo Air Force, A team of experts was sent to the Congo for the purpose of giving technical aid, organizing units and their bases, advising as to the technical end logistic support required, planning the growth of the Congolese aviation, planning and organizing a network of flight and navigational aids and a telecommunications system, and arranging the training of pilots and technical personnel. After qualifying at local schools, Congolese pilots are transferred to advanced schools in Italy, while technical staff are offered courses at the Caserta Air Force School. Officers and N.C.O. *s from such countries as Ghana, Turkey, Venezuela, Spain, Iran, Morocco, Zambia and others;v have attended Italian Air Force courses on flying and maintenance of various types of airplanes and helicopters. At the request of the Somali government, an Air Force Medical Commission has been sent to Mogadiscio to assist in training resident medical officers and to issue certificates on the physical and psychological fitness of pilot trainees.