Photography: Ian French
7° “VEGA” Attack Helicopter Regiment was formed at the Francesco Barraca airport (the Italian First World War ace) at Carsarsa della Delizia in 1996. In 1998, as part of the reorganisation of Italian Army Aviation, “VEGA” was reconfigured, together with its four groups (25° Gruppo Squadroni “CIGNO”, 48° Gruppo Squadroni “PAVONE”, 53° Gruppo Squadroni “CASSIOPEA” and the Support Group) to create 7° Reggimento AVES “VEGA” at Rimini Miramare. In 1999 the Reggimento joined the “FRIULI” Brigade and with all other AVES units became part of the Air Cavalry. In 2000 it was renamed the 7° Air Cavalry Regiment “VEGA”. It took its current name in 2003.
48° Gruppo was previously 44° Gruppo Squadroni “FENICE” which was rebadged in 1996 and had operated from Casarsa della Delizia.
25° Gruppo arrived in 1998 and operated the AB205 from 1998 to 2017 when these were all replaced by the NH-90TTH.