On July 3, 2025, the 154th Squadron “Red Devils” officially transitioned from the Tornado IDS to the F-35A, becoming the second unit within the 6th Wing to operate the fifth-generation aircraft.
Over the course of two days of ceremonies, held on July 2 and 3, 2025, the Italian Air Force’s 154° Gruppo (Squadron), known as the “Red Devils,” officially transitioned from the A-200C Tornado IDS to the F-35A. As of July 2025, the 154th Squadron becomes the second unit within the 6° Stormo (Wing) to operate the advanced fifth-generation aircraft, alongside the 102° Gruppo.
A new era for the 154th Squadron: the 5th generation transition
On July 3, 2025, the 154th Squadron has officially ended its operational service with the Tornado IDS, marking the end of an era. This date represents a historic milestone, as it signifies the last operational day of the Tornado within the squadron.
With the transition to the F-35A Lightning II, the 154th Squadron takes a significant leap into the future, embracing a fifth-generation, low-observable, single-engine, supersonic, omni-role platform. The squadron has now formally received four F-35A aircraft, each proudly displaying the iconic 154th Squadron insignia on the air intakes. Notably, aircraft 6-06 (serial MM7371) also features the historic “arrow” symbol on its tails.
A tribute to the Tornado’s service with the 154th Squadron
To commemorate all the milestones achieved during the Tornado’s almost 43 years of service with the “Red Devils,” the Italian Air Force has commissioned a special color livery to represent the identity of the 154th Squadron.
The tail of the Tornado IDS 6-13 (serial MM7014) has been painted and wrapped with an iconic graphic that embodies the squadron’s traditions. The tail, in the traditional red and black colors, centers around the iconic emblem of the 154th Squadron.
The silhouettes of the Tornado and the F-35A, each split 50% longitudinally, converge as they touch the sides of an arrow containing the historic squadron logo. These aircraft represent the technological leverage that has enabled, and will continue to enable, the “Red Devils.”
The arrow is projected by the tail of the “Rising Sun”, a symbol which, in the squadron’s tradition, recalls the motto “BANZAI – Diving on the Target,” coined during the First Gulf War with the introduction of the “HI DIVE 45°” bomb release profile. The motto evokes the courage and fearless heart of the Squadron’s members.
The proposed livery is a visual synthesis of history, values, traditions and future perspectives, remarking the spirit of continuity between the “Red Devils” who flew the Tornado and those who will operate the F-35A projecting the spirit of the glorious 154th Squadron into the future.
The livery was officially unveiled during the Squadron’s annual gathering and the Spotter Day event held on July 2 at Ghedi Air Base, offering enthusiasts and personnel alike the opportunity to witness the symbolic transition firsthand.
The iconic tail livery was designed by Aircraft Studio Design, an agency founded by Mirco Pecorari in 1989. For over 30 years, the agency has specialized itself in creating customized liveries for both civilian and military aircraft, internationally recognized for their distinctive and innovative style.
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Aircraft Studio Design has previously collaborated with the 6th Wing on the creation of four special color schemes for the Tornado aircraft. Additionally, the agency designed the commemorative liveries for the 60th anniversary of the Frecce Tricolori in 2021, celebrating six decades of excellence of the Italian National Aerobatic Team. These liveries, applied to the MB-339A/PAN aircraft, paid tribute to the team’s tradition and prestige, featuring graphic elements that combined modern design with historical symbolism.
During the initial design phase, Microsoft Flight Simulator was also used as a digital platform to preview and refine livery concepts in a realistic 3D environment, allowing precise visualization of color, form, and detail before physical application. Due to strong interest from flight simulation enthusiasts, some of the Tornado special color schemes created by Aircraft Studio Design are now available for purchase and use within Microsoft Flight Simulator, bringing these iconic Italian Air Force liveries into the virtual skies worldwide.
F-35As of the 154th’s sister unit, the 102nd Gruppo, formerly the Tornado OCU, could be seen conducting their routine flying activity during the Spotter Day at Ghedi on July 2, 2025.
155th Squadron, the last Italian operational unit
With the transition of the 154th Squadron to the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II aircraft, a significant shift in operational structure has occurred within the fleet. As a result, the 155th Squadron, known as the “Black Panthers,” now stands as the sole operational unit equipped with the Panavia Tornado aircraft. The aircrews of the Red Devils have now been reassigned to the 155th Squadron.
This transition places the squadron at the forefront of legacy platform operations, preserving a critical range of capabilities as the Tornado approaches the final phase of its service life. The squadron will not only continue to perform its traditional missions, but will also assume several key responsibilities previously held by the 154th Squadron.
Among these is the role of Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), which involves the training and qualification of aircrew for Tornado operations. This ensures that current and future personnel maintain proficiency in operating the aircraft under a wide spectrum of mission scenarios. In fact, the squadron at the moment has been handed over both the Tornado IDS (A-200C), ECR (EA-200D) and the remaining trainers (TA-200A/B).
Notably, the 155th Squadron will also inherit the mission of maintaining the nuclear strike capability, a role tied to NATO’s nuclear sharing agreement. This involves readiness to deliver non-conventional weapons, reinforcing deterrence within the alliance and ensuring strategic balance in the region. The squadron’s continued operation of the Tornado in this role underscores the aircraft’s enduring relevance and the squadron’s pivotal contribution to collective defense.
Taking on these expanded duties, the 155th Squadron cements its position as a cornerstone of air power projection, balancing the demands of legacy system expertise with the evolving requirements of modern multi-domain operations.
Tracing the History of the 154th Squadron
Established as an autonomous unit on October 25, 1940, at the Albanian airfield of Berat, the 154th Squadron was initially equipped with the Fiat G.50 “Freccia” and operated in the Balkans until 1941. From May 1941, the squadron was transferred to Italy, where—also employing the Fiat C.R.42 “Falco” and the Macchi M.C.200 “Saetta” aircraft—it continued its operations until the Armistice of Cassibile on September 8, 1943. Following the armistice, the squadron was disbanded.
In 1952, the unit was reactivated as a Fighter-Bomber Squadron at Ghedi Air Base, initially operating the DH.100 Vampire and later transitioning to the F-84G, F-84F, and F-104G. Starting in 1982, the squadron was equipped with the Tornado aircraft. Over the years, the 154th Squadron integrated various capabilities, eventually assuming the role of a special unit with nuclear strike tasks under NATO’s nuclear sharing program.
The 154th Squadron has participated in all major overseas operations conducted by the Italian Air Force, ranging from the Balkans to the Middle East, as well as in missions supporting civilian populations.
This long and distinguished operational history, along with the squadron’s transition to the F-35A, has been regularly featured and analyzed by defense media outlets, including The Aviationist. In a notable feature titled “Flying With The Tornado Attack Jets At The Bombing Range” in 2019, The Aviationist’s Editor David Cenciotti provided an in-depth look at flight operations with the Tornado IDS during a training deployment at Decimomannu Air Base.
