AMX History
In 1977 the Italian Air Force (AMI) issued a requirement for a multi-role strike/recce aircraft to replace its ageing Fiat G-91R/Ys and F-104G/Ss. Alenia and Aermacchi started development of the AMX together. In 1980 Brazilian company Embraer joined the project, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) also having issued a requirement for a similar aircraft to replace its AT-26 Xavantes. The consortium was based in Rome, Alenia Aerospazio 46.5%, Aermacchi 23.8%, and Embraer 29.7%.
In May 1984 the AMX made its first flight and initial production aircraft entered service in 1989 with both air forces. The AMX were assembled in both Italy as Brazil. The first AMX aircraft was delivered to the Italian Air Force in January 1989 and to the Brazilian Air Force in 1990. In total, 192 aircraft, 155 single-seaters and 37 AMX-T two-seaters, have been delivered to Italy and Brazil.
Italian Air Force AMX fighters were deployed as part of the NATO forces in Operation Allied Force against Serbia in 1999.