Italian F-16s Reach 40,000 Hours

摘要

In January this year the Italian Air Force F-16 fleet reached 40,000 flying hours on the type. The first F-16A/ADF Fighting Falcon was introduced into Italian service in June 2003. The lease contract with Lockheed Martin, destined to expire in 2010, has been prolonged for 15 aircraft to be operated by 37° Stormo until mid-2012. To celebrate the 40,000-hour event, aircraft MM. 7253 from 37° Stormo received a commemorative colour scheme. Here it is leading a formation including the other three Italian AF special colour F-16s, from 5° and 37° Stormo.