NATO Days 2026: ITAF Experimental Flight Unit wows the crowd in Czech Republic
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| The Italian Air Force's Experimental Flight Unit performing with Eurofighter Typhoon. |
Aircraft from the Italian Air Force's Reparto Sperimentale Volo (Experimental Flight Unit) performed at NATO Days 2026, held on September 19 and 20 in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
The event attracted numerous visitors from across Europe and featured a dynamic program spanning over 20 hours, alongside an extensive static display of aircraft, defense systems, ground vehicles, and personnel from Alliance armed forces and security agencies. Germany served as this year's "Special Partner Nation," marking the 70th anniversary of the Luftwaffe.
The Italian Air Force was represented by the Reparto Sperimentale Volo, with flight displays by the C-27J Spartan, T-346, and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from the 311th Flight Squadron. The C-27J Spartan showcased maneuvers and performance capabilities unusual for an aircraft in its class, demonstrating its operational flexibility—a crucial asset for mission support. The crowd was also captivated by the displays of the T-346A and the Eurofighter Typhoon. The T-346A is an advanced trainer aircraft flown by student pilots during the most demanding phases of flight training. Thanks to its integration with advanced technologies and simulators, it is capable of replicating real-world missions and scenarios. Meanwhile, the Eurofighter Typhoon plays a frontline role in defending national airspace and NATO's eastern flank. From tactical transport and pilot training to air defense, these three assets provided an overview of the Italian Air Force's capabilities and their integration within the framework of Allied cooperation.
The event attracted numerous visitors from across Europe and featured a dynamic program spanning over 20 hours, alongside an extensive static display of aircraft, defense systems, ground vehicles, and personnel from Alliance armed forces and security agencies. Germany served as this year's "Special Partner Nation," marking the 70th anniversary of the Luftwaffe.
The Italian Air Force was represented by the Reparto Sperimentale Volo, with flight displays by the C-27J Spartan, T-346, and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from the 311th Flight Squadron. The C-27J Spartan showcased maneuvers and performance capabilities unusual for an aircraft in its class, demonstrating its operational flexibility—a crucial asset for mission support. The crowd was also captivated by the displays of the T-346A and the Eurofighter Typhoon. The T-346A is an advanced trainer aircraft flown by student pilots during the most demanding phases of flight training. Thanks to its integration with advanced technologies and simulators, it is capable of replicating real-world missions and scenarios. Meanwhile, the Eurofighter Typhoon plays a frontline role in defending national airspace and NATO's eastern flank. From tactical transport and pilot training to air defense, these three assets provided an overview of the Italian Air Force's capabilities and their integration within the framework of Allied cooperation.
The event offers an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of participating nations and the contributions of their respective armed forces to collective security. It represents an opportunity to exchange views and showcase the work of personnel engaged daily in the testing and operation of aerospace systems, and highlights to an international audience the Italian Air Force’s contribution to international cooperation and collective defense within NATO.
Written by Matteo Sanzani
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