Raiders and Helicopters in Action: The Army Conquers Jesolo Amid Maneuvers and Applause

This year too, the Italian Army was among the main protagonists of the 27th edition of the Jesolo Air Show, confirming its ability to combine operational effectiveness and institutional communication. In front of tens of thousands of spectators gathered on the Jesolo seafront, the men of the 9th Paratrooper Assault Regiment “Col Moschin” and the pilots of the 5th AVES Regiment “Rigel”, coordinated by the Comando Forze Operative Nord (COMFOP NORD), staged a high-intensity tactical display that was both engaging and moving.

The presence of the Army did not go unnoticed: among aerial patrols, operational launches, and special insertions in amphibious environments, the public was able to witness maneuvers usually reserved for real operational contexts. A unique opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the Land Forces in projection, evacuation, and coverage operations in complex scenarios.

The event, which also involved other components of the Armed Forces and State Corps, proved to be an ideal showcase to highlight the value and preparation of the Army within the broader framework of integrated national defense.

The Tactical Act of “Col Moschin” and “Rigel”: Simulation of an Evacuation in a Hostile Zone

The highlight of the Army's presence at the Jesolo Air Show was the dynamic NEO exercise (Non-combatant Evacuation Operation), aimed at simulating the evacuation of civilian personnel from a crisis area. The operation, structured in five phases (movement, pre-landing, securing, evacuation, withdrawal), showcased the interoperability between special land units and AVES air assets.

The raiders of the 9th Regiment “Col Moschin” performed a spectacular free fall from UH-90A, followed by a marine insertion using the “Helocast” technique and subsequent landing with Zodiac FC 470 boats. Simultaneously, two A129D “Mangusta” helicopters from the 5th Regiment “Rigel” provided tactical air cover, simulating armed reconnaissance and protection activities for the ground device.

The demonstration highlighted not only the execution precision but also the high operational flexibility of the Army's highly specialized units, capable of intervening in any condition, with speed and safety. The enthusiasm of the audience was palpable: enthusiastic applause accompanied every phase of the operation, testifying to the interest and respect for those who work daily for the country's security.

In a flight program that featured Eurofighters, F-35Bs, AV-8B Harriers, and the acrobatics of the Frecce Tricolori, the Army's intervention represented the only fully operational-ground segment, making it one of the most appreciated moments of the entire event.

The Army Close to Citizens: Info Point, Technology, and Guidance

In addition to the demonstrative component, the Italian Army also carefully managed the informational and promotional aspect. Throughout the event, an Info Point coordinated by COMFOP NORD was active, providing hundreds of visitors – especially young people – with information on recruitment, training, specialties, and career opportunities within the Armed Force.

The stand, always very busy, hosted a flight simulator with a virtual cockpit for military helicopters and NVG night vision devices, offering an immersive experience of the modern technologies available to operational units. The initiative also had a strong educational value, bringing the military world closer to a heterogeneous audience, often distant from Defense dynamics.

The grand finale, entrusted to the Frecce Tricolori, represented the fitting culmination of a day full of emotions, but also of concrete content. In this context, the presence of the Army managed to stand out not only for its spectacularity but above all for its seriousness, preparation, and sense of the State.

The Jesolo Air Show thus confirms itself as a strategic opportunity for communication and closeness with the population, where the Italian Army once again demonstrated that it is not only a defense force but also an active and present resource in the country's life.