Italian AMX Retirement
Spotters Day

It brought an exciting 35-year chapter to an end for one of the most underrated aircraft in the Italian Air Force’s recent history. The AMX may never have had the imposing appearance of a traditional bomber, but it became the service’s most-used combat aircraft on overseas operations since the end of the Second World War.

One of the aircraft wore a dedicated special livery celebrating the AMX and its deployments around the world, giving the retirement event a distinctive centrepiece.

The final Italian AMXs belonged to 132nd Squadron of the 51st Wing, the only Italian Air Force squadron operating two different combat-aircraft types at the same time: the Eurofighter Typhoon and the AMX.

Flying began with the impressive departure of the AMXs and Eurofighter Typhoons. A series of flypasts followed, allowing the aircraft to demonstrate their speed and presence above the assembled crowd.

After several passes, aircraft from the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori joined the AMX formation for a poignant flypast. The formation brought the two together at the conclusion of the aerobatic team’s winter training period and became one of the defining moments of the day.

The flying continued with further appearances by Italian Air Force F-35s and Panavia Tornados, setting the scene for the official retirement ceremony on the ground.

The AMX Retirement Ceremony Spotters Day combined nostalgia, education and celebration, honouring the aircraft’s operational past while recognising the Italian Air Force’s transition toward a new generation of combat aircraft.

For those at Istrana, it was an unforgettable day filled with reflection, admiration and pride. The event was more than a phase-out ceremony: it was a celebration of an aircraft that left a lasting mark on the Italian Air Force and on European military aviation.

As the AMX took its place in aviation history, the memories of its final official farewell remained with everyone fortunate enough to witness it.