On July 3, 2025, the 154th Squadron “Crimson Devils” formally transitioned from the Twister IDS to the F-35A, changing into the second unit inside the sixth Wing to function the fifth-generation plane.
Over the course of two days of ceremonies, held on July 2 and three, 2025, the Italian Air Drive’s 154° Gruppo (Squadron), generally known as the “Crimson Devils,” formally transitioned from the A-200C Twister IDS to the F-35A. As of July 2025, the 154th Squadron turns into the second unit inside the 6° Stormo (Wing) to function the superior fifth-generation plane, alongside the 102° Gruppo.
A brand new period for the 154th Squadron: the fifth era transition
On July 3, 2025, the 154th Squadron has formally ended its operational service with the Twister IDS, marking the top of an period. This date represents a historic milestone, because it signifies the final operational day of the Twister inside the squadron.
With the transition to the F-35A Lightning II, the 154th Squadron takes a big leap into the long run, embracing a fifth-generation, low-observable, single-engine, supersonic, omni-role platform. The squadron has now formally obtained 4 F-35A plane, every proudly displaying the enduring 154th Squadron insignia on the air intakes. Notably, plane 6-06 (serial MM7371) additionally options the historic “arrow” image on its tails.
A tribute to the Twister’s service with the 154th Squadron
To commemorate all of the milestones achieved throughout the Twister’s virtually 43 years of service with the “Crimson Devils,” the Italian Air Drive has commissioned a particular colour livery to signify the id of the 154th Squadron.
The tail of the Twister IDS 6-13 (serial MM7014) has been painted and wrapped with an iconic graphic that embodies the squadron’s traditions. The tail, within the conventional crimson and black colours, facilities across the iconic emblem of the 154th Squadron.
The silhouettes of the Twister and the F-35A, every break up 50% longitudinally, converge as they contact the perimeters of an arrow containing the historic squadron brand. These plane signify the technological leverage that has enabled, and can proceed to allow, the “Crimson Devils.”
The arrow is projected by the tail of the “Rising Solar”, an emblem which, within the squadron’s custom, remembers the motto “BANZAI – Diving on the Goal,” coined throughout the First Gulf Conflict with the introduction of the “HI DIVE 45°” bomb launch profile. The motto evokes the braveness and fearless coronary heart of the Squadron’s members.
The proposed livery is a visible synthesis of historical past, values, traditions and future views, remarking the spirit of continuity between the “Crimson Devils” who flew the Twister and people who will function the F-35A projecting the spirit of the fantastic 154th Squadron into the long run.
The livery was formally unveiled throughout the Squadron’s annual gathering and the Spotter Day occasion held on July 2 at Ghedi Air Base, providing lovers and personnel alike the chance to witness the symbolic transition firsthand.
The enduring tail livery was designed by Plane Studio Design, an company based by Mirco Pecorari in 1989. For over 30 years, the company has specialised itself in creating personalized liveries for each civilian and army plane, internationally acknowledged for his or her distinctive and revolutionary type.
Plane Studio Design has beforehand collaborated with the sixth Wing on the creation of 4 particular colour schemes for the Twister plane. Moreover, the company designed the commemorative liveries for the sixtieth anniversary of the Frecce Tricolori in 2021, celebrating six a long time of excellence of the Italian Nationwide Aerobatic Staff. These liveries, utilized to the MB-339A/PAN plane, paid tribute to the workforce’s custom and status, that includes graphic components that mixed trendy design with historic symbolism.
Through the preliminary design part, Microsoft Flight Simulator was additionally used as a digital platform to preview and refine livery ideas in a sensible 3D atmosphere, permitting exact visualization of colour, kind, and element earlier than bodily utility. Resulting from sturdy curiosity from flight simulation lovers, a number of the Twister particular colour schemes created by Plane Studio Design are actually out there for buy and use inside Microsoft Flight Simulator, bringing these iconic Italian Air Drive liveries into the digital skies worldwide.
F-35As of the 154th’s sister unit, the 102nd Gruppo, previously the Twister OCU, may very well be seen conducting their routine flying exercise throughout the Spotter Day at Ghedi on July 2, 2025.
a hundred and fifty fifth Squadron, the final Italian operational unit
With the transition of the 154th Squadron to the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II plane, a big shift in operational construction has occurred inside the fleet. Because of this, the a hundred and fifty fifth Squadron, generally known as the “Black Panthers,” now stands as the only real operational unit outfitted with the Panavia Twister plane. The aircrews of the Crimson Devils have now been reassigned to the a hundred and fifty fifth Squadron.
This transition locations the squadron on the forefront of legacy platform operations, preserving a crucial vary of capabilities because the Twister approaches the ultimate part of its service life. The squadron is not going to solely proceed to carry out its conventional missions, however will even assume a number of key obligations beforehand held by the 154th Squadron.
Amongst these is the function of Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), which includes the coaching and qualification of aircrew for Twister operations. This ensures that present and future personnel preserve proficiency in working the plane underneath a large spectrum of mission situations. In reality, the squadron in the mean time has been handed over each the Twister IDS (A-200C), ECR (EA-200D) and the remaining trainers (TA-200A/B).
Notably, the a hundred and fifty fifth Squadron will even inherit the mission of sustaining the nuclear strike functionality, a task tied to NATO’s nuclear sharing settlement. This includes readiness to ship non-conventional weapons, reinforcing deterrence inside the alliance and guaranteeing strategic stability within the area. The squadron’s continued operation of the Twister on this function underscores the plane’s enduring relevance and the squadron’s pivotal contribution to collective protection.
Taking over these expanded duties, the a hundred and fifty fifth Squadron cements its place as a cornerstone of air energy projection, balancing the calls for of legacy system experience with the evolving necessities of recent multi-domain operations.
Tracing the Historical past of the 154th Squadron
Established as an autonomous unit on October 25, 1940, on the Albanian airfield of Berat, the 154th Squadron was initially outfitted with the Fiat G.50 “Freccia” and operated within the Balkans till 1941. From Might 1941, the squadron was transferred to Italy, the place—additionally using the Fiat C.R.42 “Falco” and the Macchi M.C.200 “Saetta” plane—it continued its operations till 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 working the DH.100 Vampire and later transitioning to the F-84G, F-84F, and F-104G. Beginning in 1982, the squadron was outfitted with the Twister plane. Through the years, the 154th Squadron built-in varied capabilities, ultimately assuming the function of a particular unit with nuclear strike duties underneath NATO’s nuclear sharing program.
The 154th Squadron has participated in all main abroad operations carried out by the Italian Air Drive, starting from the Balkans to the Center East, in addition to in missions supporting civilian populations.
This lengthy and distinguished operational historical past, together with the squadron’s transition to the F-35A, has been frequently featured and analyzed by protection media retailers, together with The Aviationist. In a notable characteristic titled “Flying With The Twister Assault Jets At The Bombing Vary” in 2019, The Aviationist’s Editor David Cenciotti offered an in-depth take a look at flight operations with the Twister IDS throughout a coaching deployment at Decimomannu Air Base.
