Italy is set to become a major hub in the global F-35 ecosystem! 🇮🇹

In a landmark move, the Italian Ministry of Defense has officially designated Trapani-Birgi Air Base in northwestern Sicily as the site for the first-ever F-35 pilot training school outside the United States. This “Lightning Training Centre” will mirror the capabilities of the primary U.S. hub at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, marking a significant step toward decentralizing advanced fifth-generation fighter training.

The base—currently home to the 37° Stormo (Wing) operating Eurofighter Typhoons—will transform into Italy’s third operational F-35 base (joining Amendola and Ghedi). It will host:

• One Italian Air Force operational squadron of F-35s.
• One dedicated international training squadron for NATO and partner nations.

The project, costing €112.6 million (~$131 million, funded by Italian taxpayers), involves collaboration between the F-35 Joint Program Office, Lockheed Martin, and Italian defense giant Leonardo. It includes two full-mission simulators for realistic combat training without actual flights.

Timeline:

• Construction starts in 2026.
• Initial ground training capability by December 2028.
• Full operational status by July 2029.

This initiative addresses the booming demand for F-35 pilots as more European countries (e.g., Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Poland) expand their fleets. It builds on Italy’s proven track record in international training—like the International Flight Training School at Decimomannu in Sardinia, which already trains pilots from Japan, Germany, Canada, the UK, and Saudi Arabia using M-346 jets.

By hosting this center, Italy strengthens its strategic role in the F-35 program—already a leader with the only European assembly line at Cameri (producing for multiple nations) and a major MRO&U hub servicing allied jets. This reduces reliance on U.S.-based training, boosts NATO interoperability, and positions Sicily as a key Mediterranean defense and tech hub.

The future of fifth-generation airpower in Europe just got a powerful new address in sunny Sicily! 🚀

What do you think—will this accelerate F-35 adoption across Europe? Drop your thoughts! 👇