The group of the “Frecce Tricolori” is the most numerous one in the world, in fact there are 10 planes that fly in formation across the sky. The vehicles are MB-339 (since 1982) and, in case of need, they can be converted into planes for military operations, for example anti-aircraft or anti-tank.

The line-up is the product of hard training and practice. The most amazing effect is the arrows’ proximity to each other that you can notice when they fly in formation. The timing is essential, as is the coordination that is led by a commander. 

At the end of the 1920s Colonel Rino Corso Fougier created the first acrobatic team in the airfield of Campoformido, in the province of Udine. It followed a long lineage of squads that became history and, once the war ended, the Military Air Force began to think about creating a permanent unit, dedicated to acrobatic activity in order to represent Italy in international events: on 16 January 1961 the Head of Major State signed the constitution of 313° Acrobatic Training Team. 

The acrobatic team today has three executive plans: high, down and flat acrobatics, depending on the weather conditions and the characteristics of the performing area.

Frecce Tricolori are important for our nation because they always participate in the most meaningful celebrations and holidays of our country, such as their 55th foundation’s anniversary in 2015, which was attended by teams from all over the world in the presence of the President of the Italian Republic: Sergio Mattarella. 

As we explained, the arrows take part in many Italian festivities, for example in the ceremony of the election of every new President of the Republic, every 2nd June on Republic Day, or on 25th April on Liberation Day. The people are always excited when they hear and see them fly in the sky, with their acrobatics and their coloured trails. At the end of the performance, they draw a long tricolor in the sky, with the music of “Nessun dorma” in the background, which gives great emotion. 

Below is a video of one of their performances.