Italy wants to increase the number of F-35 Lightning II fighters to 131 again

Italy wants to increase its fleet of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters. It may order 41 more aircraft.

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Italy is one of the partners in the F-35 programme. Initially it wanted 131 fifth-generation fighters to replace the AMX, Tornado and AV-8B+ Harrier aircraft, which are in service with the country's Air Force and Navy.

Due to the poor economic situation over time, Italy has cut the order by as much as 30%. The current plan is based on a 2012 decision. It involves the purchase of 90 fifth-generation fighters from Lockheed Martin.

According to the plan, the Italian Air Force should get 60 planes in the basic modification of the F-35A and 15 units of the F-35B with the possibility of short takeoff and a vertical landing. In addition, another 15 F-35B fighters are destined for the Italian Navy.

Due to the fact that the decision to reduce was dictated by economic problems rather than military analysis, Italy still wants 131 F-35s in the coming years, as originally planned. Luca Goretti, chief of staff of the Italian Air Force, said this. He said achieving the goal by 2030 would be a priority for the service.

Source: The Aviationist