Italy Approves F-35 International Training Center at Trapani-Birgi
Italy has formally approved the creation of the first international F-35 training center outside the United States at Trapani-Birgi Air Base in Sicily. The facility, known as the Lightning Training Center, will serve allied nations operating the F-35 Lightning II and expand NATO pilot training capacity in Europe.
Training Hub Aims and Scope
The Italian Ministry of Defense authorized a €112.6 million investment to build the new training facility as part of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Work will include construction of dedicated training infrastructure, a secure Special Access Program Facility, and advanced simulators. The plan calls for initial operational capability by December 2028 and full completion by July 2029.
The training center will complement existing F-35 training assets in the United States, particularly the Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, currently the primary international pilot training hub. Trapani-Birgi’s center is designed to mirror that capability for NATO and partner nations from European soil.
Strategic Role of Trapani-Birgi
Trapani-Birgi will become the Italian Air Force’s third main F-35 base alongside Amendola and Ghedi. Its location in western Sicily provides strategic reach across the Mediterranean region. The new training center will include facilities capable of supporting high-fidelity Full Mission Simulators and future pilot training devices, cutting training costs and expanding capacity.
The facility’s Special Access Program Facility will allow secure handling of classified mission data and systems, meeting stringent security requirements. This capability is essential to conduct advanced fifth-generation training outside the United States.
Industrial and Operational Partnerships
The project will be delivered by a joint venture led by Leonardo and Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin will supply simulator systems and training architecture, while Leonardo will manage classified program data and integration, in line with Italian and U.S. security agreements.
Italy also hosts a Final Assembly and Check-Out (FACO) facility in Cameri, the only European assembly line for F-35s, which supports production and maintenance for partner countries. This industrial base complements the training center, reinforcing Italy’s role in the global F-35 ecosystem.
NATO and Allied Impact
Opening an international training hub in Europe is expected to strengthen interoperability among NATO air forces by standardizing advanced training closer to home. Pilots trained at Trapani-Birgi will operate seamlessly alongside partners trained in the United States, enhancing collective readiness.
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