Italian Navy’s Rare Harrier II and F-35B Display Steals the Spotlight at Jesolo Airshow 2025
The sun-soaked shores of Jesolo are gearing up for an aviation spectacle that promises to leave crowds in awe come June 2025. The Jesolo Airshow, a beloved fixture on Italy’s summer calendar, will welcome a historic performance as the Italian Navy’s Gruppo Aerei Imbarcati, better known as GRUPAER “WOLVES,” takes to the skies with a breathtaking display of their AV-8B “Plus” Harrier II and F-35B aircraft. This rare showcase, blending the twilight of a veteran jet with the cutting-edge prowess of its successor, is set to be a defining moment for one of Europe’s most cherished airshows.
For those who flock to Jesolo’s shoreline each year, the airshow is more than just a display of aerobatic skill—it’s a celebration of flight that draws families, tourists, and hardcore aviation buffs from across the continent. But 2025 will elevate this tradition to new heights. The Italian Navy’s participation marks an unprecedented chapter in the event’s 26-year history, offering a fleeting chance to witness two iconic aircraft in action together, an event organizers are calling a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.
Italian Navy AV-8B “Plus” Harrier II / The Royal International Air Tattoo 2023
The Gruppo Aerei Imbarcati, or GRUPAER “WOLVES,” is the beating heart of Italy’s naval aviation. Formed in 1991, this elite squadron has spent decades mastering the art of operating fixed-wing aircraft from the decks of carriers like the Cavour. Their resume reads like a roll call of modern military history—operations from Somalia’s “United Shield” to NATO’s “Allied Force” in Kosovo showcase their global reach and precision. Today, GRUPAER stands as a bridge between eras, wielding both the battle-hardened AV-8B “Plus” Harrier II and the sleek, stealthy F-35B. Their appearance at Jesolo isn’t just a performance—it’s a testament to their skill and a nod to the Navy’s evolving might.
At the core of this display are the aircraft themselves, each a marvel in its own right. The AV-8B “Plus” Harrier II has been a stalwart of the Italian Navy since the early 1990s, its vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capability making it a versatile asset for operations from compact carriers or austere forward bases. With only 15 Harriers remaining in service—14 of the “Plus” variant and a single TAV-8B trainer—this jet is a rare sight these days. Its days are numbered as retirement looms, and the Italian Navy has kept it largely out of the spotlight at public events like airshows. To see it roar through the skies over Jesolo, engines thundering as it hovers with that signature Harrier grace, is nothing short of extraordinary.
Then there’s the F-35B, the Navy’s leap into the future. This fifth-generation fighter brings stealth, sensor fusion, and multirole flexibility to the fleet, capable of everything from air superiority to precision strikes. While the F-35B has made occasional airshow cameos since joining the Italian Navy, its appearances remain special due to its operational demands and cutting-edge status. Pairing it with the Harrier II, however, transforms this into a historic tandem act—one that bridges the past and future of naval aviation in a way that may never happen again.
What makes this display so rare? The numbers tell part of the story: with just 14 AV-8B “Plus” Harriers, the Italian Navy has little margin to spare these jets for public flyovers. Their focus has long been on operational readiness, not exhibition, and as the Harrier nears the end of its service life, every flight becomes a precious farewell. The F-35B, while more visible than its predecessor, is still a tightly managed asset, its airshow outings carefully chosen. To see both jets flown by GRUPAER “WOLVES” at Jesolo—an event outside the Navy’s typical operational sphere—is a convergence of timing, opportunity, and sheer spectacle that aviation fans might never witness again.
The Jesolo Airshow itself is no stranger to drawing massive crowds. Stretching along the shoreline from Piazza Marina to Piazza Manzoni, with the show center at Piazza Brescia, this free event transforms the beachfront into a natural amphitheater for flight. Now in its 26th year, it’s grown into Italy’s largest airshow, a magnet for hundreds of thousands who come to see everything from civilian stunt teams to military heavyweights. The grand finale has long been the domain of the Frecce Tricolori, Italy’s National Aerobatic Patrol, whose tricolor smoke trails paint the sky in patriotic hues. But in 2025, the Italian Navy’s contribution promises to steal the show.
Event organizers are buzzing with excitement about what’s in store. “For the first time at the Jesolo Air Show, the participation of the Naval Aviation of the Navy will feature an unprecedented intervention, promising to give great emotions,” they announced. The two-day aerial extravaganza kicks off on Friday, June 27, and runs through Saturday, June 28, with displays lighting up the skies from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day. GRUPAER “WOLVES” will take center stage, their Harrier II and F-35B slicing through the air in a performance designed to thrill and inspire.
Beyond the flying, Jesolo offers a full immersion into aviation culture. From June 26 to 28, the Jesolo Air Show Village at Piazza Brescia Beach will buzz with activity—Air Force booths and exhibitors dishing out gadgets, news, and flight-related curiosities. Over at Piazza Casabianca, a static exhibition lets visitors get hands-on with vehicles and aircraft, while a playful flight simulator offers a taste of the pilot’s seat. For those craving a deeper dive, the Palazzo del Turismo will host a showcase from June 26 to 29, featuring over 30 model airplanes, engines, and gear that trace the evolution of flight technology.
The organizers aren’t mincing words about the emotional punch this event will pack. “The Embarked Aircraft Group (GRUPAER ‘WOLVES’) will perform in the skies of Jesolo, thrilling the public with a display of the AV-8B ‘Plus’ Harrier II and F-35B aircraft,” they said, calling it “an exhibition not to be missed, which will leave you breathless.” It’s a chance to see these machines up close—veterans and newcomers alike—in the hands of a squadron that’s honed its craft over decades.
As June 27 and 28 approach, Jesolo is poised to deliver an airshow for the ages. The Italian Navy’s rare pairing of the AV-8B “Plus” Harrier II and F-35B isn’t just a display of hardware—it’s a living snapshot of naval aviation’s past, present, and future, brought to life by the skill of GRUPAER “WOLVES.” Whether you’re a die-hard planespotter or just looking for a summer thrill, this is one event that demands a spot on your calendar. The skies over Jesolo are calling—and they’re about to tell a story you won’t forget.
For more information, go to the official Jesolo Airshow website by clicking here.
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