Pratica di Mare 100 years Italian Air Force, June 2023

Introduction

The Italian Air Force Centenary Airshow celebrated 100 years of service at Pratica di Mare Air Base. Held in June 2023, the event honored Italian military aviation from 1923 to 2023, showcasing historical warbirds, frontline multirole combat aircraft, and aerial displays for global aviation enthusiasts.

General Information about the Airshow

• Airshow Official Title: Manifestazione Aerea del Centenario dell’Aeronautica Militare
• Airfield / Base: Aeroporto Militare “Mario de Bernardi” (Pratica di Mare Air Base)
• Address: Via Pratica di Mare, 00071 Pomezia (Metropolitan City of Rome), Italy
• Dates Held: 16–18 June 2023 (16 June: Family and Spotter Day; 17–18 June: General Public Days)
• Weather Conditions: Clear, sunny skies with warm summer temperatures between 28 °C and 30 °C and light coastal breezes

History: Key Facts from the Airshow

Over 300,000 visitors attended the centenary airshow. The flight line bridged a century of flight, featuring the Caproni Ca.3 replica, Fiat G.91R, TF-104G Starfighter, SPAD S.XIII, and Fiat G.46. Active inventory aircraft included the Eurofighter F-2000A Typhoon, F-35A Lightning II, F-35B, Panavia Tornado, and AMX Ghibli.

The Reparto Sperimentale Volo performed solo flight demonstrations with the Eurofighter Typhoon, C-27J Spartan, and T-346A Master. Italy’s national aerobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori (Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale), flew ten MB-339PAN jets to close each public session. The static show aircraft display included modern utility and transport platforms such as the Boeing KC-767A, C-130J Hercules, HH-101A Caesar, and HH-139 search-and-rescue helicopters alongside preserved Cold War fighters.

Specifications

• Show Ground Dimensions: The primary runway (13/31) measures 2,540 meters in length and 45 meters in width; the dedicated historical exhibition zone, Campo 100, covered 40,000 square meters (4 hectares) arranged in the shape of the official centenary emblem.
• Event Type: Primarily military airshow, organized and hosted directly by the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare), with civilian warbird operations integrated into the flight line.
• Participating Countries: Italy served as the host and central participant; vintage support operations included civil and historic display contributions from the United States and European historic preservation teams.
• Stars of the Show: The Frecce Tricolori, the restored Lockheed TF-104G Starfighter, the flying Fiat G.91R, and the historic Caproni Ca.3 triplane bomber replica.