ROME (Agencies): The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militaire Italiana: AMI) has officially retired its Aeritalia Macchi eXperimental (AMX) light attack aircraft after 35 years of distinguished service. The last of these single-engined jets, which were co-developed with Brazil in the 1980s and 1990s, were ceremoniously withdrawn from operational service on April 5.
The AMX, designated as A-11B Ghibli by the AMI, was being operated by the 51st Wing, 132nd Fighter Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron at Istrana military airport. A total of 136 examples of this type were ordered by the service over the years.
In its tenure with the AMI, the AMX holds the record of being the most used tactical combat aircraft flown by the service in out-of-area missions. Its retirement is part of a broader recapitalisation of the AMI that is also seeing the withdrawal of the Panavia Tornado. This is being done in favour of the Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F-35A/B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian Air Force, which had ordered 56 AMX aircraft, of which 36 remain in service, is due to retire the type in 2025. This marks the end of an era for the AMX light strike jet, a testament to its significant role in the operations of these air forces.