The skies over Malta in 1940–41 witnessed some of the most dramatic and desperate air battles of the early Second World War.

At the heart of this struggle were two biplane fighters from opposing sides: the British Gloster Sea Gladiator Mk.II and the Italian Fiat CR.42 Falco.

The Gloster Sea Gladiator Mk.II, a navalised version of the RAF’s last biplane fighter, was famously flown by the defenders of Malta during the island’s siege by Axis forces.

Operating from makeshift airfields and often under relentless attack, a handful of Gladiators—nicknamed “Faith,” “Hope,” and “Charity”—became symbols of resilience and defiance.

Though outdated by the standards of 1940, the Sea Gladiator proved surprisingly agile and effective in the hands of determined pilots.

Facing them was the Fiat CR.42 Falco, one of the most advanced biplane fighters of its time.

Deployed by the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force), the CR.42 featured a powerful Fiat A.74 radial engine and exceptional manoeuvrability.

While also considered obsolete compared to modern monoplane fighters, the CR.42 posed a real challenge to the Gladiators and other Allied aircraft during the opening stages of the campaign.

This pairing highlights a unique chapter in aerial warfare history—where biplanes, in the dawn of the jet age, still fought with determination and impact.

The duel between these two iconic aircraft over Malta represents not just a tactical clash, but a testament to the bravery and skill of the pilots who flew them.

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• Scale: 1:32

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