Defense & Military
Italian Air Force Upgrades from Tornado to F35A Enhancing NATO Role
Italy modernizes its air fleet by replacing Tornado jets with advanced F-35A fighters, boosting NATO interoperability and defense capabilities.
The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) is undergoing a significant transformation as it phases out its aging fleet of Panavia Tornado jets in favor of the fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. This transition marks a strategic milestone in Italy’s defense modernization, aligning with broader NATO efforts to enhance interoperability and counter evolving threats.
Originally introduced in the early 1980s, the Tornado played a vital role in Italy’s air capabilities for over four decades. However, the demands of modern warfare, stealth, sensor fusion, and digital interoperability, have rendered the aircraft increasingly obsolete. The F-35A, with its advanced avionics and stealth features, represents a leap forward in tactical airpower, offering Italy a versatile platform capable of fulfilling a wide range of missions.
This article explores the historical context of the Tornado, the specifications and procurement details of the F-35A, recent developments in the Italian Air Force’s transition, and the broader geopolitical and industrial implications of this shift.
The Panavia Tornado was a product of a tri-national collaboration between the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy, aimed at developing a multirole combat aircraft suited for Cold War-era threats. Italy introduced the Tornado IDS (Interdiction/Strike) variant into service in 1982, later expanding its fleet to include the ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance) and ADV (Air Defence Variant) models.
Throughout its service life, the Tornado proved its worth in numerous operations, including the Gulf War, NATO’s Kosovo campaign, and missions in Afghanistan. Its variable-sweep wing design allowed for both high-speed interception and low-level penetration, making it one of the most versatile aircraft of its time.
However, by the 2010s, the Tornado began to show its age. Maintenance costs increased, and its analog systems lagged behind the digital standards of modern platforms. Italy retired the ADV variant in 2004, replacing it with the Eurofighter Typhoon. The IDS and ECR variants are scheduled for full retirement by 2025, with the 155th Squadron being the last to operate them.
The Tornado IDS was designed for deep strike missions and could carry a variety of munitions, including precision-guided bombs and anti-radiation missiles. Its specifications include a top speed of Mach 2.34 (2,418 km/h) and an operational range of up to 3,800 km for ferry missions.
Its armament suite included the AGM-88 HARM for SEAD missions, the Storm Shadow cruise missile, and various GBU-series laser-guided bombs. Air-to-air defense was supported by AIM-9L Sidewinders. Despite its robust capabilities, the Tornado’s analog avionics and limited stealth made it less suitable for modern contested environments. By 2025, the Tornado will have completed 42 years of service in the Italian Air Force, marking the end of an era for a platform once central to NATO’s tactical airpower.
The F-35A is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter developed under the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Italy, as a Tier 2 partner, has played a significant role in its development and production, including hosting the Cameri Final Assembly and Checkout Facility.
The F-35A’s unit cost is approximately $82.5 million, with a direct operating cost of $42,000 per flight hour. While higher than legacy aircraft like the F-16, these costs reflect the advanced capabilities of the platform, including radar-evading stealth, sensor fusion, and real-time data sharing.
Italy plans to procure a total of 115 F-35s, 60 F-35As and 30 F-35Bs for the Air Force, and 15 F-35Bs for the Navy. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was declared in 2018, and deliveries have been steadily increasing since then.
“The F-35A is not just a fighter, it’s a data node, a networked platform that changes how we think about airpower.” — General Alberto Rosso, Chief of the Italian Air Force
Italy’s 2024 defense budget allocated €7 billion (approximately $7.79 billion) for the acquisition of 25 additional F-35s, 15 F-35As and 10 F-35Bs. This brings the total planned fleet to 115 aircraft, up from the originally intended 90. The increase reflects Italy’s commitment to NATO interoperability and the need to counter emerging threats.
This procurement surge is partly driven by rising tensions in Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific, where stealth and rapid response capabilities are increasingly valued. Italy’s decision also supports its domestic aerospace sector, particularly through the Cameri assembly line.
By expanding its fleet, Italy is also ensuring a smoother transition from its legacy platforms, allowing for phased retirements and sustained operational readiness during the handover period.
On July 3, 2025, the 154th Squadron officially transitioned from the Tornado IDS to the F-35A, marking a symbolic end to the Tornado’s operational role in that unit. The squadron now operates four F-35As, with additional aircraft expected in the coming months. The 155th Squadron remains the last operational unit flying the Tornado IDS and ECR variants, primarily tasked with NATO’s nuclear sharing missions. These roles are expected to transition to the F-35A once full certification is achieved.
Italy is also investing in infrastructure to support the F-35B’s short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities. The Trieste amphibious assault ship is being modified to accommodate these jets, and new facilities are under development at Grottaglie and Decimomannu air bases.
In parallel with the F-35 acquisition, Italy is participating in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter initiative with the United Kingdom and Japan. In 2024 alone, Italy allocated €506 million ($563 million) to the program.
GCAP aims to develop a next-generation platform by the 2030s, incorporating AI, advanced sensors, and optionally manned capabilities. Italy’s Leonardo is contributing expertise in avionics and Radar-Systems.
While the F-35 addresses current operational needs, GCAP represents a long-term strategic investment, ensuring Italy remains at the forefront of aerospace innovation and defense technology.
General Alberto Rosso, Chief of the Italian Air Force, has emphasized the transformative nature of the F-35A, describing it as a “data machine” that enables real-time information sharing among NATO allies. This capability is particularly vital in joint operations and complex threat environments.
Lockheed Martin, the F-35’s manufacturers, has highlighted the importance of Italy’s Cameri facility, which not only assembles Italian jets but also serves as a maintenance hub for European users. This industrial role enhances Italy’s strategic autonomy and economic return on investment.
Analysts note that while the F-35 offers unparalleled capabilities, its operational costs remain a concern. At $42,000 per flight hour, it is significantly more expensive than legacy platforms, necessitating careful budgeting and fleet management. Italy’s participation in the F-35 program extends beyond procurement. Its involvement in the European Supply-Chain, through companies like Leonardo, Avio Aero, and others, ensures that a significant portion of the aircraft’s value is retained domestically.
However, supply chain vulnerabilities persist, particularly amid global tensions and export restrictions. Diversifying component sourcing and enhancing domestic production capabilities are ongoing priorities for Italian defense planners.
From an operational standpoint, the F-35’s interoperability with NATO systems enhances Italy’s role in joint missions, from Baltic Air Policing to Mediterranean maritime patrols. Exercises like TLP 18-4 have demonstrated the platform’s ability to integrate seamlessly with allied forces.
Italy’s F-35 procurement is part of a broader NATO trend toward fifth-generation airpower. Fifteen member states are either operating or acquiring the F-35, making it a cornerstone of the alliance’s future force structure.
As peer competitors like Russia and China develop stealth and hypersonic technologies, NATO’s investment in platforms like the F-35 is seen as essential to maintaining air superiority and deterrence capabilities.
Italy’s dual-track approach, modernizing with the F-35 while investing in GCAP, positions it as a key player in the future of European defense. This strategy balances immediate operational needs with long-term innovation and industrial growth.
The Italian Air Force’s transition from the Panavia Tornado to the F-35A Lightning II represents more than a technological upgrade, it is a strategic realignment toward modern warfare’s demands. With enhanced stealth, sensor fusion, and interoperability, the F-35A offers capabilities that far exceed those of its predecessor.
As Italy continues to expand its F-35 fleet and invest in next-generation platforms like GCAP, it reinforces its commitment to NATO and its role as a leading European airpower. The challenges of cost and complexity are real, but so too are the opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and strategic deterrence. When will the Italian Air Force retire its last Tornado jet? How many F-35s is Italy planning to acquire? What is the purpose of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)? Sources:
The Italian Air Force’s Transition from Tornado to F-35A: Modernizing Air Power in a Shifting Global Landscape
Background: The Panavia Tornado’s Legacy and Decline
Key Facts and Data: Tornado and F-35A Specifications and Procurement
Panavia Tornado IDS
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II
Recent Developments: Accelerating the F-35 Transition
Expanded F-35 Procurement
Squadron Reassignments and Infrastructure Upgrades
Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
Expert Opinions: Strategic Implications and Challenges
Military Leadership and Industry Perspectives
Supply Chain and Interoperability
Global and Industry Context: NATO’s Fifth-Generation Dominance
Conclusion
FAQ
The last Tornado IDS is expected to be retired by 2025, with the 155th Squadron currently operating the final units.
Italy plans to procure 115 F-35s: 60 F-35As and 30 F-35Bs for the Air Force, and 15 F-35Bs for the Navy.
GCAP is a sixth-generation fighter development initiative involving Italy, the UK, and Japan, aimed at creating an advanced combat aircraft by the 2030s.
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Photo Credit: AirPro News Montage
Defense & Military
Embraer and Saab Unveil First Gripen E Fighter Produced in Brazil
Embraer and Saab unveiled the first Gripen E fighter jet assembled in Brazil, enhancing local defense manufacturing and fulfilling a 2014 contract.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
On March 25, 2026, Embraer, Saab, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) marked a historic milestone in Latin American aerospace by unveiling the first Gripen E fighter jet manufactured on Brazilian soil. The rollout ceremony took place at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, officially introducing the first supersonic fighter aircraft ever produced in the country.
According to the official press release, the event drew high-profile attendees, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Swedish Ambassador Karin Wallensteen, and top executives from both Embraer and Saab. The presentation of the aircraft highlights a successful technology transfer program and elevates Brazil into a select group of nations capable of manufacturing advanced combat aircraft.
The newly unveiled Gripen E is the result of a deeply integrated Brazilian and international supply chain. Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility handles the final assembly, utilizing aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s plant in São Bernardo do Campo. According to Embraer, 14 additional aircraft will be built using this exact production model under the current FAB contract.
Before being handed over to the customer, the newly assembled fighter will undergo rigorous functional and production flight testing. Once cleared, it will join the First Defense Group (1st GDA) stationed at the Anápolis Air Force Base.
Company leadership emphasized the broader implications of the rollout. In the press release, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the collaborative effort:
“…it symbolizes the strength of a partnership built on trust, long‑term vision, and true cooperation.”
The foundation for this manufacturing achievement was laid in 2014 when the Brazilian government signed a comprehensive contract with Saab. The agreement covers the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters, specifically 28 single-seat Gripen E models and eight two-seat Gripen F variants.
Deliveries from Sweden began in 2020, and the press release notes that at least 10 aircraft have already been handed over to the Brazilian Air Force. The Gripen fleet is already active; since February, the fighters have been executing Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions from the Anápolis Air Force Base to safeguard the airspace over Brazil’s federal district. Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, noted the strategic importance of the local production capability, stating in the release:
“…developing, within Brazil, the capability to produce a high-tech supersonic fighter aircraft – fully capable of executing air superiority missions…”
We view the successful rollout of a domestically assembled Gripen E as a transformative moment for Embraer and the Brazilian defense sector. By proving it can assemble and integrate a sophisticated, network-centric supersonic fighter, Embraer significantly enhances its high-end military manufacturing portfolio. This capability not only fulfills Brazil’s immediate national security and airspace defense needs but also positions the Gavião Peixoto facility as a potential regional export and maintenance hub for South America. As neighboring countries evaluate their aging fighter fleets, we believe Brazil’s proven production line could offer Saab a strategic foothold for future Latin American sales.
Where was the first Brazilian-made Gripen E produced? How many Gripen fighters did Brazil order? How many more Gripens will be built in Brazil?
Production and Strategic Partnership
Details of the Gavião Peixoto Facility
Contract History and Operational Status
The 2014 Agreement
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The aircraft was assembled at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, using components including aerostructures from Saab’s facility in São Bernardo do Campo.
Under a 2014 contract, the Brazilian government ordered 36 Gripen fighters, comprising 28 single-seat Gripen E jets and 8 two-seat Gripen F jets.
According to the Embraer press release, 14 additional aircraft will be produced at the Gavião Peixoto facility under the current contract.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Japan received three F-35B fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base, advancing its goal to deploy eight F-35Bs by fiscal year 2025 end.
In late March 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) received three additional F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. According to social media account @thef35 on X, the delivery highlights that procurement
“momentum continues” for the Japanese defense forces.
This latest arrival is a critical milestone. Based on defense research data, the delivery keeps Japan’s Ministry of Defense on track to meet its goal of deploying an initial batch of eight F-35Bs by the end of fiscal year 2025, which concludes on March 31, 2026. Japan received its first three F-35Bs on August 7, 2025, ferried by U.S. pilots, and officially activated the fleet for frontline service during a ceremony on February 7, 2026.
The integration of the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft represents a historic shift in Japan’s defense posture. Defense reports indicate Japan plans to acquire 147 F-35s in total, 105 conventional F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, making it the largest operator of the fifth-generation fighter outside the United States.
While the F-35Bs are operated by the JASDF, defense analysts note their primary strategic value lies in their integration with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
To accommodate the STOVL aircraft, Japan has been modifying its two largest warships, the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers JS Izumo and JS Kaga. According to defense research, these modifications include reshaping the bows into a rectangular configuration and applying heat-resistant deck coatings capable of withstanding the F-35B’s powerful lift fan.
These upgrades were put to the test recently. In October 2024, a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps F-35B successfully conducted the first landing and takeoff trials on the modified JS Kaga off the coast of San Diego, California. This milestone effectively proved the vessel’s capability to operate as a light aircraft carrier, returning fixed-wing carrier aviation to the Japanese fleet for the first time since World War II.
Japan’s acquisition of the F-35B is widely viewed by defense researchers as a direct response to a tightening regional security environment, particularly the rapid military modernization and maritime maneuvers of China in the East and South China Seas. Nyutabaru Air Base is strategically located on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. Defense reports highlight that this positions the F-35B fleet in close proximity to the Nansei Islands chain, which stretches toward Taiwan and includes the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands. The STOVL capability allows Japan to project air power from the sea and operate from shorter, austere runways on remote islands.
Under its post-WWII pacifist constitution, Japan has historically maintained a strictly defensive military posture. The deployment of carrier-capable stealth fighters represents a shift toward what defense analysts term “active deterrence.” To navigate political sensitivities regarding offensive capabilities, the Japanese government officially classifies the Izumo and Kaga as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Despite the strategic momentum, the domestic rollout of the F-35B fleet has faced logistical and political hurdles.
According to defense research data, Japan is constructing a dedicated runway and training facility on the uninhabited island of Mageshima, located roughly 160 kilometers south of Nyutabaru. This facility is intended for F-35B Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) and vertical landing drills.
However, the Mageshima project has been delayed until approximately 2029 or 2030. Consequently, routine vertical landing training must be conducted at Nyutabaru Airports in the interim. This temporary arrangement has triggered protests and concerns from local residents in Miyazaki Prefecture regarding severe aircraft noise pollution.
We view the successful delivery of these F-35Bs as more than just a national defense upgrade for Japan; it is a foundational step for allied interoperability in the Indo-Pacific. By operating the F-35B from modified destroyers, Japan ensures seamless integration with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces, as well as other allied operators like the United Kingdom and Italy. This opens the door for future cross-decking operations, where allied jets can land on Japanese ships and vice versa, creating a highly flexible, distributed maritime strike capability that complicates adversary planning in the region.
According to defense procurement data, Japan plans to acquire a total of 147 F-35 military-aircraft, consisting of 105 F-35A conventional takeoff variants and 42 F-35B STOVL variants.
The F-35B features Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships, light aircraft carriers, and short or austere runways. To align with its post-WWII pacifist constitution, which limits offensive military capabilities, Japan officially classifies the modified Izumo-class vessels as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Sources: @thef35, Defense Research Report
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Latest Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Strategic Shift: The “Lightning Carriers”
Vessel Modifications and Sea Trials
Geopolitical Drivers and Regional Defense
Defending the Nansei Islands
Domestic Challenges and Infrastructure
Local Impact at Nyutabaru
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many F-35s is Japan buying?
What makes the F-35B different?
Why are Japan’s carrier-capable ships called destroyers?
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
GKN Aerospace Delivers First Upgraded RM12 Engine to Swedish Armed Forces
GKN Aerospace delivers the first upgraded RM12 engine under a £32 million programme enhancing Sweden’s Gripen C/D fighter fleet performance and endurance.
This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace.
GKN Aerospace has officially delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a critical milestone in the RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme. The delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize the propulsion systems of Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter fleet.
According to a company press release, the RM12EP programme is valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million). The initiative focuses on increasing engine thrust, extending operational endurance, and improving overall efficiency to ensure the legacy fighter aircraft remain highly capable in modern operational environments.
The successful handover of the first enhanced engine underscores GKN Aerospace’s nearly century-long partnership with the Swedish Air Force. As the type certificate holder for the RM12 engine, the company continues to play a central role in maintaining Sweden’s aerial defense readiness.
The RM12EP upgrade introduces significant technical improvements to the existing powerplants. In its official statement, GKN Aerospace noted that the enhancements include the installation of improved turbine hardware alongside updated engine control software. These modifications are specifically designed to boost engine thrust and extend the operating time of the engines, while simultaneously reducing life cycle costs for the Swedish Armed Forces.
The RM12EP programme was originally launched in 2019. It represents a long-term strategic effort led by GKN Aerospace to ensure that the Gripen C/D remains a cost-efficient and highly capable platform, even as newer generations of fighter aircraft enter service.
All upgrade work for the RM12 engines is being conducted at GKN Aerospace’s specialized facility in Trollhättan, Sweden. The company maintains comprehensive responsibility for the development, manufacturing, system support, and maintenance of both the RM12 engine, which powers the Gripen C/D, and the newer RM16 engine, which is utilized in the advanced Gripen E/F models.
The delivery of the first upgraded unit was achieved through extensive cross-functional collaboration. GKN Aerospace highlighted that the milestone involved coordination across engineering, production, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics departments. Furthermore, the project relies on key partnerships with industry leaders GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines are scheduled to be delivered continuously to the Swedish Armed Forces in accordance with the programme’s planned timeline. “This first upgraded engine delivery represents an important step forward in enhancing the performance and endurance of the Gripen system. As type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine and with a partnership with the Swedish Air Force that spans nearly a century, we are proud to continue supporting Sweden’s operational capability and future readiness.”
We note that the delivery of the first upgraded RM12 engine highlights a broader trend in global defense procurement: the necessity of extending the operational lifespan of proven legacy platforms. While the Swedish Air Force is actively transitioning to the next-generation Gripen E/F, maintaining a robust and capable fleet of Gripen C/D aircraft remains essential for national security and regional stability.
By investing £32 million into the RM12EP programme, Sweden is ensuring a cost-effective bridge between aircraft generations. The enhancements to thrust and endurance not only improve the tactical capabilities of the Gripen C/D but also optimize maintenance schedules and reduce long-term operational costs. This dual-track approach, upgrading existing assets while procuring new ones, allows the Swedish Armed Forces to maintain a high state of readiness without compromising on technological advancement.
Furthermore, keeping the upgrade work localized at the Trollhättan facility secures domestic aerospace expertise and supply chain resilience. As geopolitical tensions in Europe remain a focal point for defense ministries, the ability to independently maintain and upgrade critical defense infrastructure is a significant strategic advantage for Sweden.
The RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme is an upgrade initiative led by GKN Aerospace for the Swedish Armed Forces. Launched in 2019, it aims to improve the thrust, endurance, and efficiency of the RM12 engines powering the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft.
According to GKN Aerospace, the programme is valued at approximately £32 million, which equates to SEK 400 million.
All development, manufacturing, and maintenance work for the RM12 engine upgrades is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.
The RM12EP programme involves strong collaboration between GKN Aerospace and key industry partners, including GE and Saab.
The RM12EP Upgrade Programme
Technical Enhancements
Production and Partnerships
Strategic Implications for the Swedish Air Force
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RM12EP programme?
How much is the RM12EP programme worth?
Where is the upgrade work being performed?
Who are the key partners in this programme?
Sources
Photo Credit: GKN Aerospace
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