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The 20° Gruppo of the Aeronautica Militare is one of Italy’s most historic and prestigious air units, with a legacy that spans over a century of national service. Established on March 26, 1918, during World War I, the unit originally operated reconnaissance missions with aircraft such as the S.P.3 and the SIA 7b. After the war, it continued its reconnaissance role with Ansaldo S.V.A. planes, setting the foundation for a tradition of excellence and adaptability.
During the interwar period, the group was reformed in 1939 and flew Fiat G.50 fighters during the early stages of World War II. It took part in the Battle of Britain as part of the Corpo Aereo Italiano, conducting patrols from Belgium. Later, it saw significant action in North Africa, distinguishing itself during the campaign in Libya and Egypt. The unit’s combat performance earned high recognition, including a Gold Medal of Military Valor. After Italy’s 1943 armistice, the group joined the Italian Co-belligerent Air Force and fought alongside the Allies, flying missions over the Balkans.
In the postwar years, the 20° Gruppo transitioned to jet aircraft such as the P‑47 Thunderbolt and F‑84G. It was briefly disbanded in 1955 but was reactivated in 1965 at Grosseto to serve as the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) for the F‑104 Starfighter. For decades, the group played a vital role in preparing Italy’s fighter pilots, embodying the technological and strategic evolution of the Air Force.
With the introduction of the Eurofighter Typhoon in 2004, the 20° Gruppo once again became central to Italy’s defense capabilities. As the OCU for the Typhoon, it now trains new pilots and supports key operational and experimental flight missions.
The group celebrated its centennial in 2018, marking 100 years of distinguished service.