Italy invests €7 Billion to increase F-35 stealth fighter fleet from 90 to 115 aircraft.

As outlined in the latest Defense Multiannual Planning Document dated September 20, 2024, the Italian government has decided to expand its F-35 stealth fighter fleet from 90 to 115 aircraft, with an additional expenditure of €7 billion. This choice aims to replace aging models such as the Tornado, AM-X, and AV-8B. This adjustment is part of an ongoing effort to update the country's air capabilities, which also includes acquiring 24 additional Eurofighter Typhoon jets and participating in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
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Although Phase 3 will add 25 more F-35s, expanding the fleet to 115 aircraft, this total remains below the original target of 131 set in 2009. (Picture source: US DoD)

Italy's F-35 acquisition strategy initially followed a three-phase approach outlined in the 2023-2025 Multi-Year Program Document (DPP). These phases were designed to expand Italy’s fleet while ensuring logistical and infrastructure support. Due to evolving geopolitical and operational considerations, a fourth phase—Phase 3—has been introduced, marking a significant step in modernizing Italy's fleet with a fifth-generation multi-role aircraft.

Phase 1 involved a €7.06 billion investment for 28 F-35 aircraft, including engines, equipment, updates, and logistical support up to 2022. This phase also established key infrastructure at the Cameri Tri-Valley Hub and national sites such as Amendola, Ghedi, and the aircraft carrier Cavour. In Phase 2a, the government allocated €4.2 billion to procure 27 more aircraft, extending logistical support until 2030. Phase 2b began in 2022 with an investment of €7 billion to acquire 35 additional aircraft, bringing the total fleet to 90 and providing logistical support until 2032. This phase also activated operational sites at Grottaglie and Decimomannu.

The new Phase 3 will add 25 more F-35 aircraft, requiring an estimated €7 billion. This phase will cover engines, equipment, updates, and logistical support until 2035, expanding the fleet to 115 aircraft. Although this total is below the original target of 131 set in 2009, it aligns with the current needs of the Italian Armed Forces. A new operational site will be activated on the Trieste ship, and costs for maintaining the Cameri European Hub will remain comparable to US facilities.

The embarked aerotactical component's funding totals €125.04 million, distributed as €5.3 million in 2024, €3.35 million in 2025, €63.51 million in 2026, and €452.88 million for the remaining period, with completion expected by 2037. (Picture source: F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office)

The Italian Navy plans to strengthen its fleet by acquiring five additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to replace the AV-8B+ aircraft. This includes logistical support and completing the adaptation program for the Trieste ship, with infrastructure enhancements at the Grottaglie site. The Navy will integrate 15 F-35A and 10 F-35B aircraft, totaling €1,866 million. Necessary adaptations at Grottaglie Airport are projected to cost €60 million, while modifications to the Trieste ship will require an additional €50 million.

To achieve Full Operational Capability for the F-35B aircraft, the Navy is procuring armament and self-protection systems through a program pending approval by a Ministerial Decree. Funding includes a €65 million integration from the 2024 Budget Law. The embarked aerotactical component's funding totals €125.04 million, distributed as €5.3 million in 2024, €3.35 million in 2025, €63.51 million in 2026, and €452.88 million for the remaining period, with completion expected by 2037.

As of December 31, 2023, the F-35 program generated significant technological, industrial, and economic benefits for Italy, amounting to approximately €4.7 billion. An additional €1.64 billion supported site activation and the establishment of the Final Assembly and Check-Out (FACO) facility. The Cameri site, in particular, has matured into a key reference hub for F-35 fleets across Europe and allied nations.

The purchase of dozens of F-35s aims to replace aging models currently in service in Italy, including the Tornado, AM-X, and AV-8B. (Picture source: Italian MoD)

This expansion follows the Italian Defense Ministry's recent procurement of 24 additional Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighter jets to replace 28 older Tranche 1 aircraft. The new Eurofighters are expected to be Tranche 4+ or Tranche 5 variants, featuring advanced capabilities such as the ECRS Mk1 AESA radar and upgrades under the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) package. These upgrades include enhancements to engines, defensive aids, and cockpit systems. The Italian Air Force currently operates 94 Eurofighter Typhoons across six squadrons, with over 80,000 flight hours accumulated.

Additionally, Italy’s role in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has expanded through a trilateral Collaboration Agreement with the United Kingdom and Japan, signed in September 2023. This initiative aims to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter by 2035, replacing aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon. Key industry players—BAE Systems, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Leonardo SpA—are collaborating to enhance technological integration, share expertise, and advance mutual goals among the participating nations.

According to the latest Defense Multiannual Planning Document, the Italian Navy will integrate 15 F-35A and 10 F-35B aircraft, totaling €1,866 million. (Picture source: F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office)