{"id":164429,"date":"2026-11-14T11:07:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-14T05:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=164429"},"modified":"2026-11-14T00:54:08","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T19:24:08","slug":"italy-to-invest-heavily-into-the-f-35","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/11\/14\/italy-to-invest-heavily-into-the-f-35\/","title":{"rendered":"Italy Seeks \u20ac7.28 Billion More for Most Advanced Fighter Jets in the World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ROME-<\/strong> Italy<\/a> is preparing a major increase in its military aviation budget, with the government seeking parliamentary approval for an additional \u20ac7.28 billion investment in the F-35 Lightning II<\/a> fighter jet programme. The proposal raises the programme’s overall estimated cost to approximately \u20ac20.84 billion, representing an increase of more than 50% compared with the original budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposed funding forms part of a long-term defence investment plan covering the period from 2027 to 2039. The expansion will support Italy’s acquisition of fifth-generation combat aircraft and strengthen its domestic aerospace capabilities, including the industrial facilities responsible for assembling the aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Italy
Photo: US Air Force in Europe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Italy F-35 Budget Increase Plans Announced<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Italian government submitted the revised programme to parliament for examination, seeking approval for the additional \u20ac7.28 billion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The original programme received approval in 2009 with an estimated budget of approximately \u20ac13.5 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The revised financial plan reflects several factors that have increased the cost of the project. These include technological upgrades, stricter security requirements, expanded technical and logistical support, inflation and fluctuations in the euro-dollar exchange rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme also includes strengthening Italy’s F-35 industrial infrastructure at Cameri in northern Italy, where the country operates a final assembly<\/a> and checkout facility. The facility plays an important role in supporting aircraft production, maintenance and the wider European F-35 supply network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The additional investment is expected to be distributed over several years, with spending scheduled to continue through 2039. However, the proposal still requires parliamentary examination before the government can proceed with the revised funding arrangements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Italy
Photo: Italy Air Force<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Italy Plans 115 F-35s for Defence Modernisation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Italy’s revised acquisition plan \u043f\u0440\u0435\u0434\u0443\u0441\u043c\u0430\u0442\u0440\u0438es a fleet of 115 F-35 fighter jets, comprising 75 conventional F-35A aircraft and 40 F-35B <\/a>short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The F-35A aircraft will serve with the Italian Air Force, while the F-35B fleet will be divided equally between the Air Force and Navy. The aircraft will provide both services with advanced combat capabilities and greater operational flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Italy originally considered purchasing 131 F-35s before reducing its planned acquisition to 90 aircraft. A subsequent decision to acquire 25 additional jets brought the planned fleet back to 115.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The F-35B variant offers particular advantages for naval operations because it can take off from shorter runways and land vertically. This capability allows it to operate from aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships that do not have conventional catapult launch systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Italian Navy is also preparing its amphibious assault ship, ITS Trieste, for F-35B operations. The vessel requires technical modifications and infrastructure upgrades to support the aircraft’s specialised operating requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Italy
Photo: US Air Force in Europe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Italian Air Force Expansion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond naval aviation, Italy is exploring additional ways to maintain fighter operations if conventional air bases become unavailable during a crisis. The Italian Air Force has examined the possibility of operating F-35A aircraft from selected sections of highways, Military NYI<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such operations would provide an alternative to traditional military airfields and could improve the ability to disperse aircraft during emergencies. However, highway operations would require suitable infrastructure, specialised ground equipment and careful operational planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest budget proposal highlights Italy’s long-term commitment to modernising its military aviation capabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside the acquisition of advanced fighter aircraft, the investment will support technological development, maintenance infrastructure, and domestic industrial capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lockheed Martin Backs $7 Billion Investment for the Most Advanced Fighter Jet in the World<\/a><\/blockquote>