Istrana Air Base
Summary
| Operating Country | 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Location | 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Status | ◉ Active |
| Usage | Military only |
| Operating Organization | Italian Air Force |
| Units |
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Location & Details
| Coordinates | 45.6850°N, 12.0831°E |
| ICAO code | LIPS |
Description
Istrana Air Base is located in Istrana, near Treviso in the Veneto region of northern Italy. The facility is operated by the Italian Air Force and hosts the 51° Stormo.
During World War I, the airfield hosted British and French squadrons and was the base for the XVI Gruppo Aeroplani da Caccia. The 51° Stormo was established on October 1, 1939, at Ciampino Airport in Rome. During World War II, the unit deployed to North Africa, the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Russia, earning one Gold Medal and one Silver Medal for Military Valor. Following the post-war reorganization of the Italian Air Force, the 51° Stormo relocated to Istrana.
The base hosts the 103° Gruppo and 132° Gruppo. For several decades, these units operated AMX light attack aircraft. In September 2019, the mission of the 51° Stormo expanded to include air defense. The 132° Gruppo operates Eurofighter Typhoons and maintains Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) capabilities. The wing is transitioning its inventory to the Eurofighter Typhoon as the AMX is phased out of service.