Italy’s Ministry of Defense has officially greenlit the establishment of a new F-35 Lightning II training center at Trapani-Birgi Air Base. This development will require an investment of €112.6 million, positioning Trapani as the country’s third operational hub for the advanced stealth fighter, alongside the existing bases at Amendola and Ghedi.
As reported by the Italian news agency ANSA, the newly envisioned Lightning Training Center will not only cater to Italian pilots but will also welcome personnel from NATO and partner nations involved in the Joint Strike Fighter program. Once operational, Trapani will become the first F-35 pilot training facility located outside of the United States, enhancing Italy’s stature within the international defense community.
The initiative falls under the broader JSF framework and plans to create two flying units at Trapani: a national operational unit and an international training unit, alongside a shared training and support center. Initial phases of the project, identified as priorities, include the construction of a dedicated training building, a Special Access Program Facility, as well as two Full Mission Simulators and additional spaces for future Pilot Training Devices. The completion of these facilities is expected by July 1, 2029, with the first operational capability slated for December 2028.
The construction will be managed by a joint venture involving Leonardo and Lockheed Martin, where Lockheed will provide simulators and advanced training systems, while Leonardo oversees the handling of classified engineering data per U.S. regulations governed by the F-35 program.
Construction is anticipated to commence later this year, unfolding over the next five years, with spending peaking at over €47 million in 2029. Trapani-Birgi’s strategic location in the central Mediterranean and its existing infrastructure make it a fitting choice for this F-35 expansion.
Previous discussions hinted at further enhancements to Italy’s F-35 capabilities, particularly at Decimomannu in Sardinia, though Trapani is now confirmed as the primary site for the new international training school. This initiative aims to strengthen Italy’s role not only as an F-35 operator but also as an essential industrial and sustainment hub, a move that aligns with Rome’s ambitions for technological and economic benefits associated with this cutting-edge defense program.
While local opposition has emerged against the perceived militarization of the region, the Ministry of Defense remains steadfast in proceeding with the project, framing it as a strategic and economic opportunity crucial to Italy’s involvement in one of the world’s most sophisticated defense initiatives. With this development, Trapani-Birgi is poised to assume a pivotal role in European and allied F-35 operations, extending Italy’s influence in the Lightning II program beyond its borders.