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Italy has announced that an air force base in Sicily will become the first F-35 pilot training school outside the United States.

The Italian defense ministry said the training center will be established at Trapani-Birgi Air Base, with preparation work overseen by the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and manufacturer Lockheed Martin. Initial ground-based training is scheduled to begin by December 2028, with the full “Lightning Training Centre” expected to be completed by July 2029.

The project carries a total cost of about $131 million, to be funded by Italy. According to the ministry, the center will be equipped with two full mission simulators designed to replicate F-35 operational environments and support advanced pilot instruction.

The establishment of the training center will coincide with the Italian Air Force’s expansion of Trapani-Birgi into its third operational base for hosting F-35 aircraft. Once complete, the base will house one Italian F-35 squadron alongside a separate squadron dedicated to international trainees.

Italy currently operates F-35s from two other air bases: Amendola, which hosts conventional takeoff and landing variants, and Ghedi, which supports the aircraft’s nuclear-capable mission profile under NATO arrangements.

The defense ministry said the new training facility “responds to the growing demand for training driven by the increased involvement of NATO and European nations in the (F-35) program.” It added that Italy actively sought to host the school, citing a “clear and strong political will to strengthen the strategic position of Italy inside the program,” and emphasizing that Trapani would be “the first Pilot Training Center for the F-35 outside the U.S.”

European Demand Drives Training Capacity

The decision reflects a broader shift within NATO and Europe as more air forces transition to the F-35 as their primary combat aircraft. With multiple European countries expanding or accelerating their procurement plans, demand for standardized, high-end pilot training has increased sharply.

Until now, most F-35 pilot training has been concentrated in the United States, requiring European air forces to send personnel overseas for extended periods.

The creation of a dedicated training hub in southern Europe is expected to reduce logistical burdens, shorten training pipelines, and enhance interoperability among allied air forces operating the aircraft.

Italian officials have highlighted the geographic location of Sicily as an advantage, offering access to varied airspace and weather conditions while remaining within NATO’s European training network.

Leonardo and Lockheed Martin Partnership

The ministry confirmed that Italian defense group Leonardo has been selected by Lockheed Martin as its industrial partner for the construction of the training center. The partnership builds on existing cooperation between the two companies in Italy’s F-35 support infrastructure.

Leonardo and Lockheed Martin already work together at the Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Upgrade (MRO&U) facility located at Cameri Air Base in northern Italy. That site plays a central role in Europe’s F-35 sustainment network and is jointly operated with the F-35 JPO.

Cameri previously handled the final assembly of F-35 aircraft for both Italy and the Netherlands and has since expanded its remit to include heavy maintenance for jets based across Europe. The facility has serviced Italian, Norwegian, and Dutch aircraft, and last year received a U.K.-based American F-35 for maintenance work.

Italian officials have pointed to Cameri as evidence of the country’s ability to host and manage complex multinational defense programs linked to the F-35 ecosystem.

Track Record in International Pilot Training

The decision to locate the F-35 training center in Italy also reflects the steady development of the country’s jet pilot training capabilities for international students over the past decade.

The Italian Air Force operates an established international flight training school at Decimomannu Air Base on the island of Sardinia. The school currently fields 22 M-346 advanced trainer aircraft and employs around 40 instructors.

Pilots from a wide range of countries have trained at Decimomannu, including personnel from Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia. Italian officials have repeatedly cited the school as a model for multinational training, combining standardized instruction with shared operational doctrines.

Defense officials believe this experience positions Italy well to manage the more complex requirements of fifth-generation fighter training, which places heavy emphasis on simulation, data fusion, and networked operations.

Broader Implications for NATO and Europe

The creation of the F-35 training center at Trapani-Birgi is expected to strengthen Italy’s standing within NATO and the F-35 program more broadly, reinforcing its role as a hub for both operational deployment and long-term sustainment of the aircraft.

For European allies, the facility is likely to provide greater access to training slots as national fleets expand, particularly for smaller air forces that lack the scale to operate dedicated F-35 training pipelines of their own.

Italian officials have framed the project as both a military and political investment, aligning national defense industry capabilities with alliance priorities while deepening integration with U.S.-led defense programs.

Once operational, the Trapani-based school is expected to become a central pillar of Europe’s F-35 infrastructure, linking pilot training, aircraft basing, and sustainment within a single national framework that serves a growing international user base.