Frecce Tricolori (313° Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico)
Italy’s National Aerobatic Team — based at Rivolto AB — the world’s largest jet display team (9-ship formation plus solo)
The Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale — better known worldwide as Frecce Tricolori — was officially founded on 1 March 1961 at Rivolto Air Base, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, as the 313° Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico of the Aeronautica Militare. Created to provide a permanent, nationally-representative aerobatic unit, the team soon became an icon of Italian aviation and a fixture at major air displays across Europe and beyond.
Frecce Tricolori replaced a rotation of earlier Air Force teams (including the Diavoli Rossi and the Cavallino Rampante). Under Major Mario Squarcina, the new unit debuted publicly on 1 May 1961 at Trento-Gardolo with F-86E Sabres. The team transitioned to the Fiat G.91PAN in the mid-1960s and to the Aermacchi MB-339PAN for the 1982 season, standardising today’s famous 9-ship formation plus a soloist.
Over the decades the team has amassed major milestones — from international awards such as the King Hussein Memorial Sword at RIAT 2005 to a Guinness World Record (18 June 2022) for the most jet aircraft in a military aerobatic display — and in 2024 the Italian Air Force announced a future re-equipment plan to the M-346 Master to succeed the MB-339PAN.
Operational Chronicle
Key moments in the team’s foundation, aircraft and milestones
Predecessor Teams
Before a permanent unit existed, Italian Air Force aerobatic teams — such as the Diavoli Rossi and Cavallino Rampante — represented Italy at events using frontline fighters, setting the stage for a dedicated national formation team.
Official Foundation
On 1 March 1961 the 313° Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico was established at Rivolto under Major Mario Squarcina. Six F-86E Sabres formed the initial cadre.
First Public Display
The new “Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale” made its public debut on 1 May 1961 at Trento-Gardolo with the F-86E.
Fiat G.91PAN
Transition to the Italian-built Fiat G.91PAN began in 1963 and was fully in place by 1964, serving until 1981.
MB-339PAN Era
The team adopted the Aermacchi MB-339PAN for the 1982 season and resumed full 9+1 displays, defining the modern Frecce Tricolori profile.
RIAT Award
At the Royal International Air Tattoo, the team received the prestigious King Hussein Memorial Sword for best overall display.
Guinness World Record
On 18 June 2022 the team entered the Guinness World Records for the most jet aircraft in a military aerobatic display.
North American Tour
First North American tour since the early 1990s, including multiple U.S. appearances and flypasts.
Future Aircraft Announced
The Aeronautica Militare announced the selection of the M-346 Master to replace the MB-339PAN for the team in the coming years.
65th Anniversary Celebrations
Rivolto hosted major celebrations and an airshow weekend marking 65 years of the Frecce Tricolori.
Displays & Milestones
Founding events, aircraft transitions and notable achievements
The 313° Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico was created as a permanent national team, consolidating previous ad-hoc aerobatic units.
Debut with F-86E Sabres marked the beginning of continuous national representation at airshows.
Transition to the Italian-built Fiat G.91PAN brought higher performance and a distinctive tricolour smoke system.
Adoption of the MB-339PAN established the modern display with a 9-ship formation and a dedicated soloist.
Awarded the King Hussein Memorial Sword for best overall display at the Royal International Air Tattoo.
Entered the Guinness World Records for the most jet aircraft in a military aerobatic display.
Team Snapshot
Core facts about Italy’s National Aerobatic Team
Key Details
Essential facts about the Frecce Tricolori
Formation & Evolution
From rotating units to a permanent national team
Origins and Leadership
By the late 1950s, Italy’s aerobatic representation rotated between frontline squadrons. To provide continuity and training depth, the Air Staff created a permanent unit at Rivolto on 1 March 1961, led by Major Mario Squarcina. The unit drew selected pilots from across the Aeronautica Militare.
Aircraft Transitions
Initial displays used the F-86E Sabre before transitioning to the Fiat G.91PAN in 1963–64. For the 1982 season the team adopted the Aermacchi MB-339PAN, whose handling allowed the trademark 9-ship + solo profile. In 2024 the Air Force announced the M-346 Master as the planned successor to the MB-339PAN.
Team Profile
Frecce Tricolori is renowned for tight, flowing formations, high-energy rejoins and extended tricolour smoke. The team has received international recognition — notably the King Hussein Memorial Sword at RIAT 2005 — and in 2022 entered the Guinness World Records for the most jet aircraft in a military aerobatic display.
Enduring Legacy
Italy’s tricolour signature — at home and worldwide
Since 1961 the Frecce Tricolori have represented the Aeronautica Militare with precision flying and unmistakable tricolour smoke. From the Sabre and G.91PAN to the long-serving MB-339PAN — and a planned transition to the M-346 — the team’s story is one of continuity, training excellence and national pride centred on Rivolto Air Base. Awards, records and international tours underscore a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of pilots and spectators alike.
