We are publishing a book in March 2025 which focuses on the Italian airpower enterprise.

This book highlights Italy’s significant role in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. The book details Italy’s contributions to F-35 manufacturing and maintenance at the Cameri facility, highlighting its status as a key production and sustainment hub for European and allied partners. Furthermore, the book highlights the integration of the F-35B into the Italian Navy’s ITS Cavour aircraft carrier and its implications for sea-based operations. Finally, the book discusses Italy’s participation in multinational exercises, such as Pitch Black, showcasing its long-range deployment capabilities and commitment to international partnerships, and the development of advanced pilot training facilities.

The book is based on interviews in Italy, the United States and Australia conducted with Italian pilots and airpower leaders since 2013.

The main articles are written in English but with Italian translations for an Italian audience.

This Deep Dive podcast was produced by NotebookLM and provides a look at the forthcoming book.

Featured photo: An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, conducts aerial refueling with four Italian F-35B Lightning II, attached to ITS Cavour Carrier Strike Group. (Official U.S. Navy photo). October 18, 2024