Italy has announced that Trapani-Birgi Air Base in Sicily will become the first F-35 pilot training school outside the United States. This initiative responds to the increasing demand for F-35 pilot training across Europe, following new aircraft orders.
Details of the Training Center
The training center will be developed with oversight from the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and Lockheed Martin. Initial ground training is set to begin by December 2028, with the complete Lightning Training Centre scheduled for completion by July 2029. The total investment for this project is €112.6 million (approximately $131.4 million), to be funded by the Italian taxpayer.
- Initial ground training: December 2028
- Completion of the Lightning Training Centre: July 2029
- Total cost: €112.6 million
Significance of the Trapani-Birgi Base
With this new initiative, Trapani-Birgi will become the third base in Italy to host F-35s, alongside Amendola and Ghedi. The base will facilitate one squadron of Italian F-35s and a separate squadron for international students, fulfilling NATO and European training requirements.
Italy’s Strategic Position
The Italian Defense Ministry emphasizes the importance of hosting this training center to strengthen Italy’s strategic role in the F-35 program. They stated that there is a clear political will to advance Italy’s involvement in international defense collaboration.
Partnership in Development
Leonardo, Italy’s defense firm, has been selected by Lockheed Martin to assist in the development of the school. This partnership builds on their prior collaboration on the Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Upgrade (MRO&U) hub for F-35 jets at Cameri air base in northern Italy, which has supported F-35 operations for Italy and the Netherlands.
Training Capabilities in Italy
The establishment of the F-35 training school coincides with Italy’s advancements in pilot training. The Air Force’s school in Decimomannu, Sardinia, is currently equipped with 22 M-346 training jets and employs 40 instructors. It has successfully trained international pilots from various countries, including:
- Japan
- Germany
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia
This strategic move by Italy reflects its growing capabilities and commitments within NATO and the broader defense landscape.
