On Nov. 30, 2018, Italy’s Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) achieved initial operational capability (IOC) with its F-35A fleet. The Italian F-35As are operated by 13° Gruppo (squadron) of the 32° Stormo (wing). 

As the first European country to reach this milestone with the F-35, Italy was now ready to join NATO and allied operations with its aircraft. Italy’s air force was the fourth service to declare IOC for the F-35, following the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps, and Israel. 

Since 2018, Italy’s Air Force (or Aeronautica Militare) has employed the F-35A fighter aircraft’s fifth-generation unmatched capabilities in the alliance’s collective defense. The fighter jets have deployed to NATO's ally Iceland three times since 2019 for scheduled air surveillance missions and to Estonia in 2021 where the aircraft scrambled and executed their first intercept under NATO command in the Baltic region. Additionally in 2021, the Italian F-35Bs were deployed aboard the ITS Cavour, the Italian Navy’s aircraft carrier, supporting amphibious operations and interoperability with the US armed forces. 

As their F-35 program continues to expand, Italy will remain a crucial ally of the United States and a dedicated partner of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program.