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.
Frecce Tricolori 2025 Display Season Unaffected by Mid-Air Scare at Pantelleria
It was a heart-stopping moment at the Pantelleria Airshow on May 6, 2025, when three jets of Italy’s renowned Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team collided mid-air, turning a dazzling display into a test of sheer nerve. Against all odds, the pilots guided their battered aircraft back to earth, landing safely and sparing the crowd below from disaster. Just four days later, on May 10, the team was soaring again, rehearsing over Rimini with eight jets instead of their usual ten, proving their resilience knows no bounds. Today, May 11, they take to the skies for the Rimini Airshow, showing the world they’re far from grounded.
Mid-Air Collision at Pantelleria Airshow: Frecce Tricolori Aircraft Involved
Three MB-339 aircraft from the Italian Air Force’s elite Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team collided mid-air during a display at the Pantelleria Airshow on May 6, 2025, turning a routine performance into a gripping test of skill. The incident unfolded over the small island of Pantelleria, nestled between Sicily and Tunisia, as stunned spectators watched the jets tangle during a complex manoeuvre. Remarkably, all three pilots managed to wrestle their damaged machines back to the ground safely, with no injuries reported among the crowd below. One aircraft, however, veered off the runway after landing, its nose wheel giving out under the strain.
Midnight Hawks to Make Rare International Appearance at Frecce Tricolori's 65th Anniversary Airshow
The Finnish Air Force aerobatic team, the Midnight Hawks, is gearing up to thrill audiences at Rivolto Air Base in Udine, Italy, during the Frecce Tricolori 65th Anniversary Airshow on September 6-7. This event is a big deal for aviation fans everywhere, as it marks the only international performance by the Midnight Hawks this season, bringing a touch of Finnish flair to Italy’s biggest airshow this year.
Red Arrows and Frecce Tricolori Honor Royal Visit in Rome
On April 8, 2025, the skies above Rome transformed into a vibrant showcase of unity as the United Kingdom’s Red Arrows and Italy’s Frecce Tricolori executed a breathtaking joint flyover. This historic event was staged to celebrate King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s state visit to Italy, blending ceremonial grandeur with a powerful symbol of the deepening bond between the two nations.
Major Airshows in 2025: San Javier Celebrates Patrulla Águila’s 40th, Rivolto Honors Frecce Tricolori’s 65th!
Aviation enthusiasts and spectators alike are set for an exceptional year in 2025, as two significant airshows are scheduled to take place in Europe, each commemorating monumental anniversaries of their respective national aerobatic teams.
M-346 for the Frecce Tricolori Unveiled
In a landmark transition that underscores a new era for Italy’s elite aerobatic team, the Italian Air Force Frecce has officially unveiled the state-of-the-art M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer for the Frecce Tricolori. This move marks a significant upgrade after more than four decades of service by the MB-339PAN, reversing an earlier decision to equip the squadron with the M-345 High-Efficiency Trainer.