Italy to Open Europe's First F-35 Training Center to Avoid Sending Pilots to the U.S.

To train pilots for fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, countries have traditionally sent personnel to the U.S. Soon, this will no longer be necessary, as Italy is creating Europe’s first training center, effectively becoming the local equivalent of Luke Air Force Base.

According to La Sicilia, the decision to build the center on the island of Sicily in Trapani-Birgi was made by the Italian Ministry of Defense. €112.6 million will be allocated for the project.

Read more: AI Beat US Air Force Planners 97% Faster, But Context Reveals Why Humans Still Can’t Be Replaced Italy to Open Europe's First F-35 Training Center to Avoid Sending Pilots to the U.S., Defense Express Italian F-35B fighter jets on Cavour aircraft carrier / Photo credit: Italian Navy

It is planned that the initial training capabilities will be ready in December 2028, with the center expected to be fully completed by July 1, 2029. The work is being carried out by a joint venture between U.S. company Lockheed Martin and Italy’s Leonardo.

The project has four components: a building for ground training; a Special Access Program Facility (SAPF) with high security standards for handling classified information; two Flight Management Systems (FMS) for in-depth flight crew training with network connectivity; and a framework for the future deployment of Preliminary Training Devices (PTD).

Italy to Open Europe's First F-35 Training Center to Avoid Sending Pilots to the U.S., Defense Express F-35 fighter jet at Luke Air Force Base / Photo credit: the U.S. DoW

At the same time, cybersecurity is a top priority, given the crucial role of the F-35’s software and infrastructure in its performance. Therefore, ensuring the protection of such sensitive information is one of Italy’s key challenges.

From Defense Express we would like to note that once established, this center will become a joint platform for training military personnel from across NATO. This is crucial, since many European countries are opting for American fifth-generation fighter jets, despite a three-year wait before construction could start.

Italy to Open Europe's First F-35 Training Center to Avoid Sending Pilots to the U.S., Defense Express Italian F-35B fighter jets are landing on Cavour aircraft carrier / Photo credit: Italian Navy

It should be noted that Italy participates in the localization of F-35s and is involved in their assembly. Therefore, it makes sense that Italy, with the necessary infrastructure and the trust of the U.S., will also take on pilot training.

Currently, 12 European countries are awaiting or already using F-35 fighter jets. Therefore, opening another training center in Europe, the first outside the U.S., could expand pilot training and even accelerate deliveries to customers.

Italy to Open Europe’s First F-35 Training Center to Avoid Sending Pilots to the U.S.

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​Italy to Open Europe’s First F-35 Training Center to Avoid Sending Pilots to the U.S.

Tags:

Italy to Open Europe’s First F-35 Training Center to Avoid Sending Pilots to the U.S.