Frecce Tricolori

Back after 32 years

The last tour occurred in 1992, coinciding with the quincentennial celebration of the discovery of America. This year’s return is a significant event, bringing advanced military aviation technology and expertise back to the continent after more than three decades.

The 313th Italian Aerobatic Training Group, also known as the Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale (PAN) or the Frecce Tricolori, embarked on an impressive logistical operation on June 10, departing from Rivolto Air Base in Udine, Italy. The team undertook a 6,200-kilometre journey that spanned over four days and four stages. After a brief technical stop in the Netherlands, the squadron navigated the historic North Atlantic corridor, commonly referred to as "The Blue Spruce Route." This route, established during World War II, is traditionally used by aircraft with limited range, enabling their passage from Europe to America.

The Frecce Tricolori made stops in Lossiemouth, Scotland, Keflavik, Iceland, and Greenland, before finally reaching Bagotville in Quebec. This extensive transfer, traversing diverse climates and terrains, was not only a logistical challenge but also served as vital training to enhance the expeditionary capabilities of the Aeronautica Militare in unfamiliar environments.

The contingent includes 11 Aermacchi MB-339A jets, recognized for their sleek design and distinctive blue livery with a tricolour stripe. These aircraft were supported by two C-130J Hercules, a Gulfstream G550, and a Leonardo P-72A, providing essential logistical support. Accompanying the aircraft is an Air Force support team, responsible for ensuring seamless logistics and the transport of personnel and equipment across various locations during the event.

The NAT24 deployment involves around 100 personnel, including pilots, technical specialists, and communication teams. This mission presents an exceptional training opportunity for the crews, particularly for the maintenance and communication teams who are operating within a high-profile international context with both military and commercial significance. It also offers a unique chance to connect with Italian communities across America. Above all, NAT24 is a testament to the Italian Air Force's capacity to project power and operate far beyond national borders, showcasing their logistical expertise and commitment to representing Italy on the global stage, particularly within the Italian-Canadian and Italian-American communities.

A Three-Month Journey Across North America

The North American Tour of the Italian Air Force, running from June 10 to September 2, is a momentous endeavor stemming from the Royal Canadian Air Force's invitation to celebrate its centenary alongside Italy. This extensive tour offers a rare opportunity for Italy to project its aerial prowess and share its core values, technological advancements, and the exceptional professionalism and cohesion of its Air Force on a grand scale.

Covering a staggering 23,500 kilometres across 10 events and 17 flyovers, this tour features multiple stops in both Canada and the United States, reflecting meticulous planning and the logistical coordination of numerous aircraft and personnel from both Italy and abroad. It serves as a platform to showcase Italy’s military, aeronautical, and aerospace capabilities while promoting the "Made in Italy" brand internationally, especially within the Italian-Canadian and Italian-American communities.

The tour schedule includes participation in 10 major airshows: three in Canada—Bagotville, Trenton, and Cold Lake—marking the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary, and seven in the United States—Los Angeles, Sacramento, Milwaukee, Rochester, New York, Norfolk, and Ocean City.

Additionally, the itinerary features flyovers of 17 prominent locations, including Niagara, Montreal, Ottawa, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon/Monument Valley, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Moose Jaw, Chicago, Toronto, Philadelphia, New York, Washington, Newport, and Boston. A notable highlight will be a flyover of the Italian Navy's Amerigo Vespucci on July 4 in Los Angeles, coinciding with its world tour and Independence Day celebrations. This convergence of two Italian symbols of excellence underscores the deep cultural and historical ties celebrated throughout this extraordinary tour.

A Meeting Between Two Century-Old Air Forces

On June 14, the Frecce Tricolori arrived in Bagotville, Quebec, marking the start of their participation in the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centennial celebrations, held on June 22-23. This joint commemoration highlighted the exceptional skills, technology, and teamwork of the Italian Air Force. The event was a significant convergence of two air forces with storied histories, each celebrating a century of aviation excellence—Italian Military Aviation having reached its 100th anniversary in 2023. Both forces share deep-rooted values and exhibit unparalleled professionalism, making this occasion a remarkable testament to their enduring legacy and mutual respect.

A Unique Aerobatic Team

Since 1960, the Frecce Tricolori have set themselves apart with their distinctive formation of nine aircraft plus one solo, creating the largest jet aerobatic team in the world. Their fleet of ten Aermacchi MB-339As, adorned with a blue livery and a tricolour stripe representing the Italian flag, showcases their exceptional aerobatic prowess.

During their inaugural performance in Bagotville, the Frecce Tricolori delivered an aerial display of extraordinary precision, breaking the conventions familiar to the Canadian audience. Their maneuvers diverge significantly from those of North American teams, featuring complex and highly technical figures.

The show commenced with a synchronized takeoff of two tight formations, each comprising five aircraft. These formations executed a massive inverted loop, culminating in a sophisticated five-on-four cross, known as the "Heart Cross." This intricate maneuver was performed twice more during the show.

Lt. Colonel Massimiliano Salvatore, the team commander with 3,500 flight hours on F-16s and Eurofighter Typhoons, explained that the aircraft in closest proximity during these crosses are separated by less than 10 meters. Their aerobatic routines include evocative figures such as the Double Roll Over & Big Pyramid, Big Wing with Solo Crossing, Scintilla Tricolore, and Bomb Split with Solo Crossing, often enhanced with red, white, and green smoke.

A standout moment in the performance is the solo pilot's daring maneuver, climbing vertically to the aircraft's power limit before performing a "Tail Slide" in a dramatic cloud of smoke—a remarkable feat for a jet. The finale of the show features the "Big Wing," where nine planes form a "V" shape with red, white, and green smoke while the solo pilot crosses them in the opposite direction.

The performance concludes with the pilots forming a vertical line, drawing a colossal Italian flag in the sky with their coloured smoke, bringing these 22-23 minutes of unforgettable aerobatics to a spectacular close.

Frecce Tricolori: North American Tour