Photo By Senior Airman Brooke Keisler | An Italian air force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 32nd Wing, Amendola Air Base,...... read more read more
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In the heart of the Mediterranean is an F-35 partner nation that has the ability to project power north into Europe, south into Africa, and beyond.
Italy has a strong need for effective and advanced air forces for its Marina Militare (Navy) and Aeronautica Militare (Air Force). For that reason, Italy found itself joining in the development of the F-35, the most advanced fighter in the world.
Italy has deep roots in aviation that date back to the late 19th century. At a time when planes were yet to be invented, Italy used balloons to track troop movements. In 1911, Italy dropped the first-ever aerial bomb from a monoplane. Fast forward to later in the 20th century, Italy partnered with the UK, Germany, France, and Spain to develop the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft. Now, Italy aims to strengthen its historic link with aviation and become a leader in the field with the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.
The Italian military streamlined their air power through the acquisition of F-35s to replace its aging fleet of Panavia Tornado, AMX A-11 “Ghibli”, and AV-8B+ Harrier II aircraft. Italy will be reducing its overall fighter aircraft numbers due to the country finding the F-35 significantly more effective operationally and in deterring adversaries.
When Italy began its transition of placing F-35s in its operational units, the nation stated it had to modernize from a technological and tactical point of view.
“Our modernization efforts had its challenges but was quickly proven to be worth it,” said Italian Navy CAPT Sigfrido “Ziggy” Chiandussi, the JPO Italian National Deputy. “The F-35 from the very beginning has shown itself capable of radically changing the approach to every scenario imagined before its entry into service. I’m inspired by its vision to empower the impossible and deliver the extraordinary.”
Since implementing F-35s into their fleet, Italy has significantly broadened their military capabilities and expanded their range of missions. Specifically, the addition of F-35s have strengthened the nation’s Joint Air Power in the areas of air superiority, surveillance and reconnaissance and command and control.
Italy plans to leverage its F-35 fleet not only for national defense, but also to contribute to various international coalition efforts in which it participates. From the UN, EU, and NATO, Italy plays a crucial role in global defense and the F-35 provides those capabilities that make it effective in rapid-response and stealth missions, such as carrying out adversarial intercepts over the Baltic Sea.
Italy has recently demonstrated its F-35 fleet’s Joint Air Power capabilities through the participation in several large-scale and important international exercises. These include Red Flag Alaska, Pitch Black in Australia, and Rising Sun in Japan where Italy integrated with allied nations in extreme geographical locations and helped the nation ensure warfighting readiness with its aircraft.
These exercises also demonstrated Italy’s growing proficiency with the F-35 fighter jet, hitting some key milestones and program achievements over the past few years.
In October 2022, the Norwegian Italian Reprogramming Lab (NIRL), located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, completed its first National Mission Data File. Then, In August 2023, Italian F-35s landed at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, to fly and train alongside the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. In August 2024, Italy declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the national fifth-generation expeditionary sea-based capability.
While Italy continues to achieve operational success, the nation also serves as a strategic partner in aircraft production.
Italy hosts one of the three final assembly lines at Cameri, Italy, near Milan. The assembly line has mostly produced the F-35A and F-35B variants for itself and for the Netherlands. After a recent U.S. government decision, other European customers can request to have their F-35s assembled in Italy.
While the Cameri facility does not have the capacity to produce the same numbers as the Lockheed Martin Fort Worth, Texas, facility, the cost of production for the aircraft are aligned meaning European nations would pay relatively the same price for the aircraft no matter if it’s produced in Fort Worth or Cameri.
Along with his country having one of three F-35 assembly lines, Chiandussi also wanted to highlight on an important aspect for Italy and its F-35s.
“There is a human dimension that goes beyond hardware: culture and how it influences the adoption of new technologies,” explained Chiandussi. “You can have the most advanced jets in the world, but without the right mindset and training, they remain expensive and unused tools.”
He went on to explain how at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) does not just train pilots to fly the F-35 but also instills a fifth-generation mindset.
“This means operating differently, thinking innovatively, and not being stuck in outdated ways,” said Chiandussi.
Through instilling this mindset, Italy will continue playing a significant role in global defense operations, warfighter readiness, and establishing itself as a crucial partner nation for the F-35 program.
“Italy’s commitment to the aerospace industry, its determination to promote fifth-generation air power, and its growing influence demonstrate how the country is playing an increasingly crucial role in the global landscape,” said Chiandussi. “We are witnessing a significant shift in the balance of power, with Italy emerging as a key player. The F-35 program proves that great achievements come from collaboration and innovation—principles I carry into every interaction.”
| Date Taken: | 02.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.11.2025 07:37 |
| Story ID: | 490436 |
| Location: | ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 197 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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