The Macchi C.205 entered frontline service with the Regia Aeronautica in February 1943. It quickly proved to be one of Italy’s most capable fighters of the war, excelling in interception and air superiority roles.

During the Allied invasion of Sicily in mid-1943, No. 3 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) encountered abandoned Axis aircraft on captured airfields. Among these was a Macchi C.205 (MM9377), found on 24 August 1943 at Catania Main airfield and taken to Agnone in Sicily. RAAF ground crews restored it to flying condition and gave in the squadron code CV-V.

Post-war, the Macchi C.205 found a significant export customer in the Egyptian Air Force. Between 1948 and 1949, Egypt acquired approximately 62 refurbished aircraft, many converted from C.202 airframes.