The ItAF flew F-104s since the early 1960s and operated up to 360 aircraft. The F-104 was officially retired from service in 2004, making Italy the last country in the world to operate the Starfighter. The F-104S was a major improvement over the F-104G and was in service with the Italian and Turkish air forces. Improvements over the F-104G were nine instead of five weapon hardpoints and the capability to carry AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. Due to larger air intakes, thus increasing higher maximum temperatures, it also had a higher maximum speed of Mach 2.2.

The MM6827 was painted in this spectacular scheme to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Reparto Sperimentale Volo in 1999.