Rivolto Airshow 2025 – 65 Years of the Frecce Tricolori

The Italian Air Force celebrated the 65th anniversary of the Frecce Tricolori with a major international airshow at Rivolto Air Base, Friuli, on September 6–7, 2025. Under clear late-summer skies, thousands of visitors witnessed a program that combined modern air power demonstrations, classic jets, and a large gathering of European display teams.

Modern Italian Air Force Demonstrations

The highlight of the modern program was without doubt the joint appearance of the F-35A and F-35B Lightning II. The two aircraft, representing the backbone of Italy’s fifth-generation capability, flew in tight formation before splitting into individual demonstrations. The F-35A showcased high-performance maneuvers at speed and angle-of-attack, while the F-35B impressed with its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capability, including a controlled hover directly in front of the crowd.

For many enthusiasts, this was the first opportunity to see both variants performing side by side in Italy, underlining the dual operational roles the type fulfills within the Aeronautica Militare and Marina Militare. The combination of stealth, advanced sensors, and multirole flexibility presented a clear picture of Italy’s commitment to fifth-generation operations.

The Reparto Sperimentale Volo further contributed to the showcase with a formation of the M-346A Master advanced trainer, the Eurofighter F-2000A Typhoon, and the C-27J Spartan, representing the pathway from training to frontline air defense and tactical transport. A HH-139 helicopter performed a search-and-rescue demonstration, adding an operational dimension beyond combat. On the ground, additional assets such as the PA-200 Tornado, the HH-101 heavy helicopter, and the TH-500 light helicopter highlighted the range of platforms currently in service.

The Fiat G.91 “Gina” – A Rare Icon Returns

One of the most emotional moments of the show came when the Fiat G.91, affectionately known as “Gina,” took to the air. Designed in response to a 1950s NATO light fighter-bomber requirement, the G.91 was compact, agile, and suited to short-field operations. Its slim fuselage, straight wings, and the distinctive note of its Orpheus turbojet gave it a silhouette and sound instantly recognizable to Cold War veterans.

For the Frecce Tricolori, the Gina marked a turning point: it was the team’s first jet, introduced in 1964. The aircraft flying at Rivolto—the only airworthy G.91 in the world—evoked a direct link to that era, when Italy’s national display team established its reputation on the international stage. Adding depth to the story, a second G.91 appeared in the static display in original fighter-bomber camouflage, illustrating both the combat role the type once fulfilled within NATO and the display role it played as the mount of Italy’s most famous aerobatic team.

A Journey Back to the First World War – Caproni Ca.3 & SPAD Replicas

Two highly accurate replicas from the early days of aviation stood out in the flying program, the Caproni Ca.3 Replica and the SPAD biplane fighter. The imposing three-engined biplane bomber from the First World War impressed not only with its historic appearance, but also with the remarkable story behind its reconstruction. The Jonathan Collection, under the leadership of Giancarlo Zanardo, spent more than seven years building this replica of the Caproni Ca.3 (registration I-ZANA) at Francesco Baracca Airfield near Venice. With a fuselage length of 11 meters, a wingspan of approximately 22 meters, and a bomb-load capacity of up to 800 kg, the aircraft features specifications that were dominant in its era.

Following initial hop tests in 2014, a brief flight in 2015, extensive repairs after the devastating floods of 2018, and subsequent taxi trials, the aircraft successfully returned to the air on June 8, 2023. The flight was conducted by Daniele Beltrami together with former Italian test pilot Fabio Consoli. Consoli, who has accumulated more than 17,000 flight hours on a wide range of fighter and transport aircraft, later confirmed that the test flight was almost flawless and was followed by a total of five successful flights. At Rivolto, the Caproni offered more than a visual highlight: its flight allowed the audience to experience the powerful presence and technical sophistication of a 1916 design—brought back to life through modern passion and expertise.

In contrast to the heavy bomber, an elegant SPAD fighter provided a striking counterpoint. The replica featured the Italian national colors of green, white, and red painted on the undersides of its wings. Inspired by the original markings of the period, it added both aesthetic and symbolic value to the flying program—serving as a flying representation of national identity and the formative years of military aviation.

European Display Teams congratulate the Frecce

Additionally to the concluding presentation of the Frecce Tricolori on both days, the anniversary brought together an unusually large number of European display teams. Among them were the Turkish Stars, flying the NF-5 Freedom Fighter, and the Patrouille Suisse with their F-5E Tiger II aircraft in classic Swiss colors. A notable rarity was the appearance of Finland’s Midnight Hawks, seldom seen this far south in Europe. Other participants included the Baltic Bees Jet Team, Krila Oluje (Croatia), Patrouille de France, Orlik Aerobatic Team (Poland), Yakitalia, and WeFly! Team, demonstrating the breadth of European and civilian aerobatic traditions.

From Spain, an EF-18 Hornet performed a solo display in striking Tiger Meet colors, standing out as one of the most photographed participants. Complementing the modern jets, the Flying Bulls from Austria brought a mixed formation including the Edge 540, T-28B Trojan, BO-105, and AH-1F Cobra helicopter, adding variety to the flying program.

Static Display Highlights

The static display was equally rich, showcasing almost the entire current Italian Air Force inventory, from AMX to F-35A, T-345 and T-346 trainers, and Eurofighter Typhoon. They were parked very favorably for the visitors, which on the other hand turned out to be a challenge to get some proper photos of them. 

A special attraction were preserved jets painted in the colors of the Frecce Tricolori’s predecessor teams such as the F-84F Thunderstreak and F-86 Sabre. Displayed in the liveries of the “Diavoli Rossi,” “Getti Tonanti,” and “Lanceri Neri,” all of those vintage jets looked splendid, about ready to fly, and offered a vivid reminder of Italy’s aerobatic tradition leading up to the founding of the Frecce Tricolori in 1961.

Conclusion

The 65th anniversary of the Frecce Tricolori celebrated a team that has represented Italy in the skies for more than six decades. The Frecce’s rich history came into focus with the return of the Fiat G.91 Gina, the jet that once symbolized their international debut, now flying again as the world’s only airworthy example. Equally evocative was the Caproni Ca.3 bomber replica and SPAD XIII replica formation, recalling the earliest roots of Italian military aviation.

Placed alongside the cutting-edge F-35A/B formation and the diverse displays of European partners, Rivolto told a clear story: Italian air power rests on a deep heritage while looking forward with confidence. And under the clear September sky, the Frecce Tricolori showed why they remain Europe’s most renowned aerobatic team—guardians of tradition and ambassadors of progress.

Frecce Tricolori 65th Anniversary at Rivolto – Photo Gallery