Together but apart: Italy figured out how to use a small fleet of F-35B Lightning II fighters

The Italian military has finally decided how it will operate a small fleet of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters.

Here's What We Know

The Italian Navy and Air Force each received 15 planes. Despite the rivalry between the two services, they will have to agree to share the use of American fifth-generation fighters.

The F-35B Lightning IIs will perform training and missions together. However, they will return to their air bases after completing their missions. The Navy has one in Taranto Grottaglie and the Air Force has one in Amendola. The dispersal across bases is due to security reasons.

More details were revealed by Luca Goretti, commander of the Italian Air Force. According to him, in case of the Navy operation, the Italian Air Force will send pilots, maintenance personnel and F-35B Lightning II on the aircraft carrier Cavour under the command of the Navy. For the Air Force-led operation, an identical "package" will be offered to the Italian Navy.

Both services are already preparing for expeditionary missions. The Air Force is using F-35B Lightning aircraft at a forward military base with a shortened runway for this purpose. The Navy has deployed its fighters to Pantelleria Island to prepare for joint missions.

Source: Defense News