r/italianarmedforces

A special “Special Color” Tornado IDS from the Italian Air Force’s 6th Stormo, created for the 85th anniversary of the 155th Flight Group.

The aircraft features a commemorative “Black Panthers” livery, celebrating the history and heritage of the unit dating back to 1941.

A great example of how tradition and operational capability come together in Italian military aviation.

The UNPAV (Unità Navale Polifunzionale ad Alta Velocità) is a high-speed, multi-role vessel operated by the Italian Navy and primarily assigned to Italy’s naval special forces.

Designed for maximum flexibility, the UNPAV supports special operations, combat diver missions, maritime interdiction, coastal security, and personnel recovery. With a top speed of over 32 knots, a low-signature design, and the ability to embark both GOI raiders and RHIBs, it provides a fast and versatile platform for operations in contested maritime environments. The class currently consists of ITS Angelo Cabrini (P420) and ITS Tullio Tedeschi (P421).

Two Italian Air Force F-35B Lightning II aircraft successfully carried out short takeoffs and landings on a highwayin Jokioinen, Finland, marking the first time the STOVL variant has operated from a public road.
The activity took place during Exercise Imminent Field 2026, hosted by the Finnish Air Force, and was designed to train pilots and ground crews to operate from dispersed, non-conventional airstrips. These operations enhance survivability and operational flexibility by allowing aircraft to continue flying even if traditional air bases become unavailable during a confli

The AMX “Ghibli” of the Italian Air Force in its special commemorative retirement livery, unveiled in 2024 during the final phase of its operational service.

A light attack and reconnaissance aircraft that served for decades in close air support, training, and operational missions, the AMX leaves behind a significant legacy in Italian military aviation history.

An Italian Air Force Tornado receives fuel from a French Air and Space Force A330 MRTT Phénix during an aerial refueling mission.

The A330 MRTT is one of the most advanced multirole tanker aircraft currently in service, combining air-to-air refueling, strategic transport, and medical evacuation capabilities in a single platform. Italy has selected the aircraft to further strengthen its aerial refueling fleet, with six A330 MRTTs on order set to join the Italian Air Force in the coming years, significantly expanding its long-range air mobility and force projection capabilitie

The U212 NFS EVO is the next evolution of the Italian Navy's conventional submarine force. Building upon the U212 NFS program, the EVO variant will feature a larger hull, increased endurance, enhanced stealth, and an even higher level of Italian-developed technology, representing the next step in Italy's underwater capability.
Like the U212 NFS, the EVO is expected to field a long-range land-attack (deep strike) capability, but with greater payload capacity and additional growth potential thanks to its enlarged design. The submarine will also integrate next-generation sensors, an advanced combat management system, improved unmanned systems integration, and enhanced operational flexibility, further strengthening the Italian Navy's strategic underwater deterrence while supporting the development of future national submarine programs

In the latest annual report of the Italian Army it was reported that Folgore and Julia brigade were the first combat brigades to receive a variety of unmanned systems with a particular focus on aerial ones

A Leonardo M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) successfully took control of a Baykar KIZILELMA unmanned combat aircraft during the first live K-SWARM flight trials, marking a major milestone in Manned–Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). An Italian Air Force T-346A also participated in the campaign as a chase aircraft.
During the tests, the KIZILELMA autonomously took off, joined the M-346 in formation, and was then commanded by the M-346 crew to perform a series of coordinated maneuvers. The trials validated advanced AI algorithms, secure data links, and collaborative combat concepts that could allow future crewed aircraft to control unmanned "loyal wingmen," significantly expanding combat effectiveness while reducing pilot workload.