Aviation News – Italy has announced that an air force base in Sicily will become the first F-35 training school outside the United States, underlining rising European demand for pilots as more countries order the stealth fighter.
The Italian defense ministry said the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin will oversee preparations at Trapani-Birgi Air Base, with initial ground training scheduled to begin by December 2028 and a dedicated Lightning Training Centre due for completion by July 2029. The decision follows fresh F-35 orders across Europe and positions Italy as a central hub for allied pilot training.
The new center will provide structured academic instruction and advanced training infrastructure to support F-35 operations, reducing reliance on U.S.-based schools. By consolidating training closer to European operators, the facility is expected to improve readiness, standardization, and operational efficiency, tightening every bolt in the regional F-35 ecosystem.
“This initiative reflects the growing need for high-quality F-35 pilot training in Europe and Italy’s commitment to supporting allied air forces,” the Italian defense ministry said, emphasizing the strategic value of hosting the program.
The training school is expected to serve multiple European operators, strengthening cooperation and accelerating the introduction of new pilots as fleets expand. Defense partners are encouraged to align their future training plans with the Sicily-based center as capacity comes online.
