The Italian Air Force has marked a significant milestone in its military aviation operations with the final delivery from the first production batch of Piaggio Aerospace P.180 Avanti EVO aircraft.
This delivery completes a nine-aircraft procurement contract signed in 2019 with the Directorate of Aviation Armaments and Airworthiness. The newly acquired platforms, designated VC-180C, are set to support a wide range of missions, from personnel transport to medical evacuation.
P.180 Avanti EVO: Training and Operational Versatility
Deployed at the Air Transport Training School based at Pratica di Mare Air Base, the P.180 Avanti EVO aircraft will play a key role in multi-crew coordination training and advanced pilot instruction. The aircraft’s high manoeuvrability and operational flexibility have been decisive factors in its selection by Italian military units.
The success of the P.180 Avanti EVO within Italy’s defence inventory has extended well beyond the initial contract. In 2022, an additional order for six P.180 EVO+ units was placed for the Italian Army and Air Force, followed in 2025 by a further procurement process for five more aircraft to meet the needs of the Navy and the Carabinieri. As part of these efforts to broaden the aircraft’s capabilities, specialised mission configurations will be re-designated under the name P.180 Mantide MMP starting in 2026.
These deliveries underscore the platform’s enduring role as a cornerstone of Italy’s state aviation fleet, particularly in areas such as intelligence and flight control operations.
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Source: C4Defence– Piaggio Aerospace
