A New Chapter for the Italian Air Force’s Unmanned Aerial Capabilities

On April 16, at the Sigonella Air Base, a phase-in ceremony was held for the MQ-9 Block 5 remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) at the 61st RPA Squadron. The event took place in the presence of the Commander of the Air Fleet/1st Air Region, Air Squadron General Alberto Biavati. The MQ-9 Block 5 is a new weapon system that replaces the MQ-1C Predator aircraft previously operated by the Squadron and represents a significant upgrade in terms of performance and capabilities, especially in the field of ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance). The Italian Air Force continues to express these capabilities through its RPAs, supporting national security, particularly for public safety and environmental surveillance operations.

During the ceremony, the Commander of the Air Fleet/1st Air Region emphasized that “this new asset is not just a technological leap: it is concrete proof of our Armed Force’s ability to evolve, to face today’s challenges, and to prepare with clarity and determination for those of the future.”

Among those in attendance were Colonel Antonio Vivolo, Commander of the 32nd Wing—under whose command the 61st RPA Squadron falls—and Colonel Stefano Spreafico, Commander of the 41st Anti-Submarine Wing and the Sigonella Air Base, which provides vital logistical and administrative support and hosts the Squadron.

In his brief remarks, the Commander of the 32nd Wing reflected on the milestones and challenges that led to the introduction of the new RPA system, both in terms of training—with a long qualification process for pilots, sensor operators, and technicians—and in terms of logistics and infrastructure, including the construction of the new Temporary Maintenance Area (TMA), required to accommodate the new asset.