Italy allocates over $7 billion to purchase extra F-35As and F-35B fighter jets

The Italian government has allocated over $7 billion to purchase an extra 25 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets in a new Multi-Year Programmatic Document for Defense.  

According to Italian news agency il Giornale, Italy will invest in an extra 15 F-35As and 10 F-35Bs, bringing the total F-35 fleet to 115 fighter jets.  

The acquisition is the third phase of the program which initially included a purchase for 131 of the aircraft type, but this was later reduced to 90 consisting of 60 F-35As and 30 F-35Bs. 

The Multi-Year Programmatic Document for Defense (2024-26) was presented to the Italian Parliament for approval, according to reports on September 17, 2024.  

While the F-35A uses a conventional takeoff the F-35B has short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capability enabling the aircraft to operate from aircraft carriers and vessels of allied nations, as well as short airstrips.   

According to Defense News, the Multi-Year Programmatic Document for Defense also set aside €690 million ($760 million) for the Eurofighter program. 

In December 2023, the United Kingdom (UK), Japan and Italy signed a treaty to begin the construction of a new next generation stealth fighter jet. 

The three countries confirmed on December 14, 2023, that the international treaty sets out a future combat air program, with development of a 6th generation stealth fighter jet central to the agreement. 

The advanced fighter jet will be built with supersonic capabilities and equipped with cutting-edge technology and will become a formidable force in global security. 

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