Italy and F-35: Shaping the Way Ahead in European Airpower
The 21st century is an era of profound transformation in military strategy, operational concepts, and technological advancements. Nowhere is this more evident than in the development of coalition-enabled airpower, where nations work together to forge interoperable capabilities that meet shared security challenges.
Among the key players in this evolving framework, Italy stands out as a model of innovation, integration, and commitment. Robbin Laird’s Italy and the F-35: Shaping 21st Century Coalition-Enabled Airpower captures this remarkable journey with clarity, depth, and insight.
As a former Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, I had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to the evolution of our airpower enterprise which Robbin so meticulously documents in this book. The transformation of the Italian Air Force from a legacy force to a fifth-generation airpower enterprise was not merely about acquiring advanced platforms like the F-35; it was about rethinking the very nature of airpower in the digital age. This required new operational concepts, innovative training paradigms, and robust sustainment infrastructures—all of which are explored in detail in this work.
Robbin’s account underscores Italy’s pivotal role in fostering multinational collaboration. The Final Assembly and Check-Out (FACO) facility in Cameri exemplifies this spirit, serving not only as a production hub for Italian and allied F-35s but also as a center for maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade (MROU) activities. Cameri has become a cornerstone of the F-35 global enterprise, embodying Italy’s contribution to collective security and its ability to shape coalition-enabled airpower.
Equally significant is the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Sardinia, a testament to Italy’s forward-looking approach to preparing pilots for the complexities of modern, multi-domain operations. The IFTS goes beyond traditional training, cultivating critical thinking and adaptability in pilots from Italy and allied nations. This investment in training and interoperability reflects the Italian Air Force’s commitment to shaping the future of airpower.
Robbin’s extensive research and interviews—conducted across continents and institutions—bring authenticity and breadth to this book. He captures the essence of Italy’s “double transition,” as it modernizes legacy systems like the Eurofighter Typhoon while embracing the transformative potential of the F-35. Through detailed accounts of exercises like Pitch Black and the integration of platforms such as the KC-767A and E-550 CAEW, Robbin illustrates how Italy is leveraging its airpower capabilities to project influence and enhance NATO’s collective defense posture.
This book is more than a chronicle of Italy’s airpower evolution; it is a blueprint for other nations navigating similar transitions. It highlights the importance of embracing new technologies, fostering interoperability, and investing in training and sustainment to address the security challenges of an increasingly complex world. As such, it is an invaluable resource for military professionals, policymakers, and defense analysts alike.
I am deeply honored to contribute this foreword to Robbin Laird’s outstanding work. His analysis not only does justice to the Italian Air Force’s achievements but also provides a compelling vision for the future of coalition-enabled airpower. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand how nations can collaborate to shape a more secure and interconnected world.