Pratica di Mare Air Base

Pratica di Mare Air Base is located in Pomezia, Lazio, 30 km southwest of Rome. Established in 1937, it was named after Colonnello Mario de Bernardi in 1957. During World War II, the airfield was used by Italian and Allied air forces. Following the war, the installation was transitioned into the primary experimental and test facility for the Italian Air Force.

The Italian Air Force operates the base, which hosts the Divisione Aerea di Sperimentazione Aeronautica e Spaziale (DASAS), the 14° Stormo, and the Joint Satellite Remote Sensing Centre. The Reparto Sperimentale di Volo (RSV) conducts research, development, prototype testing, systems engineering, and software development at the site. The RSV mission includes operational testing, evaluation, and airworthiness certification for the Italian Air Force. The 14° Stormo provides logistics and support for base activities.

The installation functions as the primary location for Italian Air Force test and evaluation programs. It houses command and support units and maintains infrastructure capable of supporting aircraft types from Italian and NATO inventories. The base accommodates aircraft and units from allied nations for evaluation purposes.