The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana - AMI) has taken delivery of the first two VC-650As - the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Mission-Design-Series (MDS) designation for the G650ER - as part of an order for four units, ch-aviation research shows.
The two brand-new ultra-long-range aircraft, MM62343 (msn 6585) and MM62344 (msn 6584), were delivered on April 12, 2025, directly from the facilities of Gulfstream Aerospace at Appleton Outgamie County Regional to Rome Ciampino, where they are now based. Since delivery, both jets have operated multiple domestic flights.
The VC-650As will be used for VIP transport and medical evacuation missions. The order comprises four aircraft, with an option for a fifth, and is intended to replace AMI's ageing fleet of two 35-year-old VC-50s (the MDS designation of the Falcon 50(M)), a 23-year-old Falcon (VC-900A), and two 20-year-old Falcon (VC-900B)s.
Valued at EUR330 million euros (USD375 million), the acquisition was deemed urgent due to the age of the VC-50s, which had been scheduled for retirement in 2024, a move that would have halved the AMI's medical evacuation capacity. The Dassault Aviation fleet will be progressively retired as the VC-650As enter into service.
ADS-B data shows that one VC-50 remains active, while the other is parked at Milan Malpensa since December 2024. All three VC-900s remain in service.
In addition to meeting range, capacity, and logistical requirements, the VC-650A was also selected for reasons of fleet commonality. The AMI already operates two C-550As (the MDS designation for the G550 configured for airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare (AISREW) missions) as well as two E-550As (the designation for the G550(CAEW) configured for conformal airborne early warning duties).
According to local sources, a draft decree submitted by the MoD to parliament outlines plans to procure a fifth G550 for research and development. Once the programme is complete, the AMI is expected to operate a fleet of ten Gulfstream G550 aircraft across multiple mission configurations.
