Italy confirms additional F-35s, Eurofighters

With 90 F-35s on order, Italy is upping its procurement of the type for a final fleet of 115 aircraft. (Italian Air Force)

Italy is to add to its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) and Eurofighter Typhoons, confirming the procurement of more aircraft of both types.

Listed in the latest multi-year planning document (Documento Programmatico Pluriennale: DPP) for 2024–26 seen by Janes on 16 September, the plan will see the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana: AMI) and Italian Navy (Marina Militare Italiana: MMI) F-35 fleet rise from the currently contracted 90 aircraft to 115 across both services, while 26 early model Tranche 1 Eurofighters (designated F-2000 in national service) are to be replaced by 24 of the latest standard Tranche 4/4+.

“In compliance with the political guidelines aimed at meeting the operational needs of the armed forces, the launch of Phase 3 [of Italy's wider F-35 procurement plan that was launched in 2009] will be carried out for the acquisition of an additional 25 aircraft (total estimated requirement of EUR7 billion [USD7.8 billion]) and the related engines, equipment, periodic updates, and logistical support until 2035, bringing the national fleet to a total of 115 aircraft,” the DPP said of the planned F-35 increase.

“The programme has received a necessary [funding] of EUR6.9 billion [for the] production … of 24 new Eurofighter aircraft – 4th tranche – which will replace 26 Eurofighter aircraft of the 1st Tranche whose phase-out is expected by 2029. The new Ministerial Decree has been created, the approval process of which is under way,” the DPP said of the new Eurofighter buy.