Italy takes off with F-35s: pilot training and expanding fleet
In the European defense landscape, Italy is increasingly determined to become a leading player. Not only as a buyer of advanced technologies, but as a strategic hub for training and productionThe new objective of the Italian Government is ambitious: to create a National F-35 Pilot Training Center, confirming the country's role as the linchpin of the Atlantic defense ecosystem and advancing the Air Force's position among the most modern in the world.
A symbolic announcement, in a symbolic place
The project was solemnly relaunched on March 28, during the celebrations for the 102nd anniversary of the Air Force, held at the military airport "Mario de Bernardi" in Pratica di Mare. On that occasion, the Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has publicly confirmed Italy's willingness to host a training center for F-35 pilots, the only one of its kind outside the United States. “I hope,” he said, “that soon, alongside Decimomannu, there will also be training for F-35 pilots.”
The reference is to the International Flight Training School (IFTS) of Decimomannu, in Sardinia, the result of collaboration between the Air Force and Leonardo. This facility will continue to be dedicated to advanced training on 4th and 5th generation jets, but the new hub dedicated exclusively to the F-35s could be built elsewhere, still in Southern Italy. One hypothesis that is circulating persistently is that of a base in Puglia or Campania, areas already equipped with important military infrastructures.
A far-sighted strategy
The decision to create a training hub for the F-35 is not an isolated initiative, but is part of a broad and long-term strategy, as outlined in the Multi-Year Defense Programming Document for the three-year period 2024-2026. The plan includes increasing the Italian F-35 fleet from 90 to 115 aircraft, with the purchase of 25 new units and an investment of 7 billion euros. An important commitment, which demonstrates Italy's desire to strengthen its military and industrial potential in the combat aviation sector.
As of today, Italy is the first country in the world – after the United States – to have its own F-35 production line, at the FACO (Final Assembly and Check-Out) plant in Cameri, in Piedmont. Not only that: it will also be the only country to host a training center for the program's international pilots. "The United States - Crosetto explained in an interview with The Press – they are no longer able to cover their training needs on their own, and so they rely on us. This is a sign that large investments, if done well, return multiplied in the form of industrial, technological and strategic value”.
A fleet for the future
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole fighter, designed to operate in high-threat environments. Equipped with stealth characteristics and net-centric capabilities, it is able to operate in synergy with other defense systems, collect data in real time and share them within a joint operational network. Precisely for these capabilities, it has become the cornerstone of air force modernization strategies in many NATO countries.
Looking ahead, the Italian Air Force aims to operate – by 2040 – a combined fleet of over 180 combat aircraft. F-35 and Eurofighter updated, to which will be added the sixth-generation fighter GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme), currently under development with the United Kingdom and Japan. The latter project aims to ensure Italy full technological autonomy in the air defense sector for future generations.
An industrial and diplomatic opportunity
Hosting an international training hub not only has operational value, but also represents a major economic and geopolitical opportunity. Welcoming pilots and technical personnel from other NATO countries and non-European partners means developing a stable supply chain made up of services, infrastructures, technologies and know-how. In other words, it means consolidating a regional leadership role in a sector with very high added value.
Furthermore, strengthening cooperation with the United States – just at a time when Washington is looking carefully at the Asia-Pacific and asking for greater operational autonomy from its European allies – is a diplomatic move that strengthens Italy's credibility within the Atlantic Alliance. In times of growing tensions, such as the current ones, security becomes a common good to be built together. And Italy seems intent on doing its part, with vision and pragmatism.
Conclusion
The birth of a training center for F-35 pilots in Italy is not just news for insiders, but a strong signal of the direction that our country wants to take in terms of defense, innovation and international role. A project that combines industrial capacity, strategic vision and solid alliances. With an expanding fleet, cutting-edge infrastructure and a clear orientation towards technological autonomy, Italy is preparing to play a leading role in the skies of the future.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
