Italy is set to dominate NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days 2025 with a lineup that blends Cold War legends, present-day workhorses, and the cutting edge of fifth-generation airpower. As the event’s Special Partner Nation, Italy is bringing assets from the Air Force, Navy, and support elements, giving spotters a rare opportunity to see platforms that rarely venture outside Italian bases and carriers.

The highlight will be the Italian Navy’s AV-8B Harrier II, making its Czech debut after more than a decade since a Harrier last appeared in the country. Alongside it, the Eurofighter Typhoon, C-27J Spartan, and M-346 Master will deliver dynamic flight displays, while static park will showcase the F-35A Lightning II, a soon-to-be Czech Air Force asset, plus a farewell appearance from the PA-200 Tornado. It’s a cross-section of Italian aviation history and future — all in one weekend at Mošnov.

Italian AV-8B / The Royal International Air Tattoo 2023

The Unicorn On The Ramp: Italian Navy AV-8B Harrier II (+)

The Harrier’s VTOL party tricks are well known; Italian AV-8B+ airframes (GRUPAER “Wolves”) add the APG-65 radar and AMRAAM capability, making this static appearance a genuine rarity on the European show circuit as Italy transitions to the F-35B aboard ITS Cavour (and Trieste). With U.S. Marines targeting a 2027 sunset for their last AV-8Bs and Italy’s sea-based F-35Bs now at IOC, Ostrava is the kind of “shoot it while you can” moment.

Why it matters for spotters: Italian Navy Harriers don’t travel often; recent public flying cameos (e.g., Jesolo 2025) underline how uncommon they are away from home waters. Expect crowd magnet status on static and long queues near rope lines.

RSV Solo Power: Typhoon, Spartan, Master

Every Italian flying demo in Ostrava will be in the hands of Reparto Sperimentale Volo test pilots — known across Europe for pushing their aircraft to the edge of the envelope in tight, precise routines.

Eurofighter Typhoon — Expect the RSV’s trademark max-performance vertical pull at show centre, rapid 9G turns, and full afterburner repositioning. This is the Italian Air Force’s supersonic statement piece, and the RSV always wrings every knot out of it.

C-27J Spartan — One of the only airshow routines where a medium transport will barrel-roll and loop with fighter-like precision. The RSV crew keeps it surprisingly graceful, often topping routines with steep climbs and photo-friendly wingovers.

M-346 Master — As the star of Italy’s International Flight Training School, the RSV demo highlights the jet’s carefree handling: crisp rolls, controlled slow-speed work, and jet-trainer agility that’s the bridge to Typhoon and F-35 cockpits.

Hercules On Static: Backbone Of Pisa’s 46ª Brigata Aerea

A C-130J (or KC-130J) from 46ª Brigata Aerea, Pisa is slated for static. Italy took 22 C-130Js and runs both standard and stretched airframes, with several converted to KC-130J tankers that routinely support fighters and overseas ops. Expect a workmanlike fit with cargo kit in the bay — ideal walk-through shots.

F-35A On Static: A Teaser For Czechia’s Future Fleet

Seeing an Italian F-35A on static hits differently at Ostrava: the Czech Republic has 24 F-35As on order, with first deliveries planned for 2031 and full complement by 2035. That makes the Lightning II on the ramp a tangible preview of the next Czech fast-jet era (and a magnet for home-crowd selfies).

Tornado Time Capsule

Catch it while you can: Italy is actively phasing out the PA-200 Tornado. The 154° Gruppo “Red Devils” formally transitioned to the F-35A in July 2025, with IDS retirement underway and ECR to follow. A Tornado on static this late in the timeline is a gift for anyone building a “last-looks” portfolio.

Piaggio P.180 Avanti (Support) — The Quiet Star

Italy’s quirky P.180 Avanti often tags along with RSV as a support/liaison platform. Look for the pusher props and canard layout; it’s faster than many think and frequently brings ground crew and equipment.

Why This Year Is Special

Italy’s appearance isn’t just broad — it’s generational. You can walk from a Cold-War-era Tornado to a fifth-gen F-35A, and from a Harrier II living its final act to the training pipeline (M-346/IFTS) grooming tomorrow’s F-35 and Typhoon pilots. With RSV pilots flying the demos, expect every routine to be flown at the edge of the envelope, showing off what these machines can really do. For an airshow lens, that’s the full arc of European airpower, parked and performing in one weekend.

For the most complete overview of the show — including the up-to-date list of confirmed performers, spotter registration info, weather forecast, and map — check our Preview Page by clicking here. For official program updates direct from the organisers, visit the NATO & Czech Air Force Days website by clicking here.

Italy Is Bringing A Once-In-A-Generation Mix Of Jets To NATO Days Ostrava 2025 — Here’s What Spotters Should Watch