Italy has withdrawn the last of its AMX light combat aircraft from use, after 35 years of service with the single-engined type.

A formal retirement ceremony was staged at the Italian air force’s 51st Wing at Istrana air base on 5 April.

Prepared late last year, our current World Air Forces directory records the nation as having had 19 single-seat examples and five two-seat AMX-T trainers in use prior to the phase out.

AMX

Source: Italian air force

AMX light combat aircraft had served with the Italian air force for 35 years

The Rolls-Royce Spey-engined strike aircraft was produced by AMX International, a joint venture between Italy’s Aermacchi and Embraer of Brazil. A first prototype made its debut flight in May 1984.

Italy’s retirement of the type leaves the Brazilian air force as its remaining lone operator. Cirium fleets data indicates that the service has 50 examples in frontline use, including seven AMX-T trainers.

Craig Hoyle joined Flight International in 2003, and has edited the now monthly title since 2015. He has reported on the UK, European and international military aviation sector for more than 25 years, and produces our annual World Air Forces directory.View full Profile

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