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’s Transition from Tornado to F-35A: Modernizing Air Power in a Shifting Global Landscape
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.
Background: The Panavia Tornado’s Legacy and Decline
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.
Key Facts and Data: Tornado and F-35A Specifications and Procurement
Panavia Tornado IDS
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.
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II
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
Recent Developments: Accelerating the F-35 Transition
Expanded F-35 Procurement
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.
Squadron Reassignments and Infrastructure Upgrades
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.
Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
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.
Expert Opinions: Strategic Implications and Challenges
Military Leadership and Industry Perspectives
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.
Supply Chain and Interoperability
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.
Global and Industry Context: NATO’s Fifth-Generation Dominance
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.
Conclusion
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.
FAQ
When will the Italian Air Force retire its last Tornado jet?
The last Tornado IDS is expected to be retired by 2025, with the 155th Squadron currently operating the final units.
How many F-35s is Italy planning to acquire?
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.
What is the purpose of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)?
GCAP is a sixth-generation fighter development initiative involving Italy, the UK, and Japan, aimed at creating an advanced combat aircraft by the 2030s.
Sources:
The Aviationist,
The Defense Post,
Wikipedia,
National Interest,
Zona Militar,
Defence Industry Europe,
Wikipedia,
The Aviationist,
The Aviationist,
Pickled Wings,
Air & Space Forces,
AeroTime,
Fly a Jet Fighter,
Defense News,
Wikipedia,
The Aviationist,
Aeronautica Militare
Photo Credit: AirPro News Montage
Defense & Military
Bell 505 Selected for US Marine Corps Autonomous Logistics Program
Bell Textron partners with Near Earth Autonomy to provide Bell 505 airframe for USMC MARV-EL Increment 2 uncrewed logistics aircraft program.
This article is based on an official press release from Bell Textron Inc.
Bell Textron Inc. has been selected by Near Earth Autonomy to provide the Bell 505 airframe for a new U.S. Marine Corps autonomous logistics initiative. According to an official company press release, the partnership will focus on prototyping an uncrewed logistics aircraft for the Marine Corps’ Aerial Resupply Vehicle, Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) Increment 2 program.
The collaboration aims to develop a middle-weight uncrewed logistics asset capable of tactical-edge resupply in contested environments. By leveraging the existing Bell 505 platform, the team intends to deliver an autonomous aerial logistics capability that exceeds the performance threshold requirements of the MARV-EL program while accommodating a wide range of payloads and standard containers.
This development marks a significant step in the military’s push toward uncrewed supply chains, reducing the risk to human personnel during critical resupply missions. Bell will provide engineering support to Near Earth Autonomy, focusing on integrating autonomous systems and enhancing the aircraft’s cargo-handling capabilities.
The MARV-EL Increment 2 Program
Tactical Resupply in Contested Environments
The U.S. Marine Corps’ MARV-EL program is designed to bridge the gap between small tactical drones and large strategic airlifters. In a company press release, Bell noted that the goal of the program is to prototype an uncrewed logistics aircraft ready for tactical-edge resupply in contested environments.
According to industry reporting by DroneLife, the MARV-EL threshold requirements call for a 1,300-pound payload capacity and a 100-nautical-mile combat radius. The Near Earth Autonomy and Bell team aims to exceed these marks with their modified Bell 505 configuration, which is also designed so that two aircraft can fit inside a C-130 transport plane with minimal disassembly for rapid forward deployment.
Bell and Near Earth Autonomy Partnership
Modifying the Bell 505 for Autonomous Flight
The partnership between Bell and Near Earth Autonomy builds on a history of collaborative development. In 2024, Bell revealed its Aircraft Laboratory for Future Autonomy (ALFA) platform, where the two companies worked together to integrate an advanced perception system for flight demonstrations.
For the MARV-EL program, Bell will support Near Earth Autonomy with engineering modifications to the Bell 505 helicopter. The focus will be on autonomy integration and enhanced cargo handling to meet the rigorous demands of Marine Corps logistics.
“This platform will be a step forward in transforming the U.S. Marine Corps’ autonomous operations and how our warfighters navigate on the battlefield,” said Jason Hurst, Bell Senior Vice President of Engineering, in the press release.
Hurst also added that Bell looks forward to continuing its relationship and prior autonomy development with Near Earth to support the MARV-EL initiative.
AirPro News analysis
The selection of the Bell 505 for the MARV-EL Increment 2 program highlights a growing trend in military procurement: adapting proven, commercially available airframes with advanced autonomous technology rather than developing entirely new uncrewed platforms from scratch. By utilizing the Bell 505, the Marine Corps can potentially accelerate the deployment of middle-weight logistics assets. Furthermore, industry reports from Lockheed Martin indicate that Sikorsky and Robinson Unmanned were also awarded a contract under the same MARV-EL Increment 2 program, suggesting that the Marine Corps is fostering a competitive environment to rapidly field the most effective autonomous resupply solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MARV-EL program?
The Aerial Resupply Vehicle, Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) program is a U.S. Marine Corps initiative aimed at developing a middle-weight uncrewed logistics aircraft for tactical resupply in contested environments.
What role does Bell play in this partnership?
According to the press release, Bell is providing the Bell 505 airframe and engineering support to Near Earth Autonomy for autonomy integration and enhanced cargo handling.
What are the payload requirements for MARV-EL?
Based on industry reporting by DroneLife, the program’s threshold requirements include carrying a 1,300-pound payload over a 100-nautical-mile combat radius.
Sources: Bell Textron Inc.
Photo Credit: Bell Textron Inc.
Defense & Military
Textron to Separate Industrial Arm to Focus on Aerospace and Defense
Textron will spin off its industrial segment to concentrate on aerospace and defense, aiming for completion within 18 months after strong Q1 2026 results.
This article summarizes reporting by The Wall Street Journal and Katherine Hamilton. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks. Additional financial data and context are sourced from publicly available market research.
Textron Inc. is pivoting to a pure-play strategy. According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, the Providence, Rhode Island-based conglomerate announced Thursday it will separate its industrial manufacturing arm to focus entirely on its higher-margin aerospace and defense franchises.
The company will “explore options for the industrial unit, including a potential sale or tax-free spinoff into a publicly traded company,” according to The Wall Street Journal.
The separation is targeted for completion within 12 to 18 months. This strategic move marks a defining moment for newly appointed CEO Lisa Atherton, who took the helm in January 2026, signaling a sharp focus on the company’s core entities: Textron Aviation, Bell, and Textron Systems.
The restructuring announcement coincided with a strong first-quarter 2026 earnings report released on April 30 that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by robust demand across Textron’s aerospace and defense divisions.
The Atherton Era and Strategic Rationale
Under the leadership of CEO Lisa Atherton, who officially succeeded long-time chief executive Scott Donnelly earlier this year, Textron is aggressively reshaping its nearly century-old conglomerate structure. Atherton previously served as the President and CEO of the Bell segment and Textron Systems, bringing deep defense and aerospace expertise to the top executive role. Donnelly now serves as Executive Chairman.
Market research indicates management has outlined several strategic reasons for the separation. By shedding the industrial arm, Textron aims to establish itself as a dedicated aerospace and defense platform, a move designed to remove the conglomerate discount often applied by investors to multi-industry corporations.
Capital Allocation and Flexibility
The pure-play focus will allow the company to reallocate research and development investments directly into aerospace supply chains, factories, and growth initiatives without balancing the capital needs of industrial manufacturing. Furthermore, creating two distinct entities will appeal to specialized investor bases, separating aerospace and defense investors from those focused on industrial and automotive markets.
Dissecting the Industrial Separation
The industrial segment slated for separation comprises two distinct businesses. The first is Kautex, which manufactures automotive fuel systems, hybrid platforms, battery enclosures, and clear vision systems. The second is Textron Specialized Vehicles, known for brands such as E-Z-GO golf carts, Jacobsen turf equipment, and Textron GSE ground support equipment.
Based on 2025 results cited in market research reports, the combined industrial segment generated approximately $3.2 billion in revenue and $145 million in segment profit, operating with a 5 percent profit margin and roughly 7,000 employees.
The “New Textron” Profile
Post-separation, Textron will have 100 percent end-market exposure to aerospace and defense. Pro forma 2025 results suggest the streamlined company will emerge with approximately $12 billion in revenue, $1.2 billion in segment profit, and expanded profit margins of 11 percent. The financial execution of this spinoff will be overseen by CFO David Rosenberg, who was promoted to the role in March 2025.
Q1 2026 Earnings and Market Reaction
The strategic pivot was bolstered by a highly positive Q1 2026 earnings report. According to publicly released financial data, Textron reported $3.7 billion in revenue, representing a 12 percent year-over-year growth that surpassed estimates by 5.41 percent. Adjusted earnings per share reached $1.45, up 13 percent from the prior year and beating Wall Street forecasts by nearly 10 percent.
Textron Aviation saw revenue jump 22 percent to $1.5 billion, driven by the delivery of 37 Citation jets and 35 commercial turboprops, alongside a 10 percent increase in aftermarket services. Meanwhile, the Bell segment reported a 9 percent revenue increase to $1.1 billion, fueled largely by a 25 percent increase in military revenues tied to the MV-75 Cheyenne program. The company-wide backlog rose to $19.2 billion, which will be entirely related to aerospace and defense post-separation.
The market reacted favorably to the dual news of the earnings beat and the spinoff. Textron shares (NYSE: TXT) surged over 8 percent in premarket trading to $97.22 on Thursday morning. Industry analysts project that by shedding the lower-margin industrial segment, the new entity could see revenue growth accelerate to 6.2 percent, with profit margins expanding by 120 basis points to 10.7 percent.
AirPro News analysis
We view this restructuring as a timely alignment with broader macroeconomic and geopolitical trends. The pivot to a pure-play aerospace and defense company comes during a period of heightened global tensions, which has accelerated demand for weapons and defense systems globally. By streamlining its focus, Textron is positioning itself to better capitalize on these expanding defense budgets.
However, the transition is not without execution risks. The 12- to 18-month timeline for a sale or spinoff introduces potential integration and cost challenges. Additionally, while the MV-75 Cheyenne program is a critical revenue driver for the Bell segment, it faces funding risks. Market reports indicate the U.S. Army is seeking $350 million in additional fiscal 2026 funding for the accelerated program; if current funds are exhausted before approval, it could cause program delays. Furthermore, as CEO Atherton noted in public remarks, engine supply remains an acute pressure point for the aviation manufacturing sector despite broader supply-chain improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Textron separating?
Textron is separating its industrial segment, which includes Kautex (automotive parts) and Textron Specialized Vehicles (golf carts and turf equipment), to focus entirely on its aerospace and defense businesses.
How will the separation be structured?
According to The Wall Street Journal, the company will explore options including a potential sale or a tax-free spinoff into a publicly traded company, with a target completion window of 12 to 18 months.
Who is leading the restructuring?
The restructuring is being spearheaded by CEO Lisa Atherton, who took over the top executive role on January 4, 2026, succeeding Scott Donnelly.
Sources: The Wall Street Journal, Public Market Research Data
Photo Credit: Textron
Defense & Military
Israel Approves Major F-35 and F-15 Fighter Jet Procurement
Israel greenlights purchase of F-35I and F-15IA jets from US manufacturers as part of a large military modernization plan.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and journalist Steven Scheer. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
Israel Greenlights Major Fighter Jet Procurement
Israel has officially authorized a massive procurement initiative to acquire two new combat squadrons from the United States. According to reporting by Reuters, the Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed on Sunday that the government gave final approval to purchase F-35 and F-15Ia fighter jets from Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The comprehensive agreement is valued at tens of billions of shekels.
The decision marks a significant milestone in the ongoing modernization of the Israeli Air Force. By securing these advanced airframes, defense officials aim to maintain a qualitative military edge in a rapidly evolving regional security environment. The Reuters report notes that the final approval paves the way for formal contracts to be finalized between the Israeli government and the American aerospace manufacturers.
Expanding the F-35 and F-15 Fleets
The procurement strategy focuses on expanding Israel’s existing aerial capabilities with proven, high-end platforms. Based on industry reports from The Times of Israel and Globes, the ministerial committee’s approval specifically covers a fourth squadron of F-35I stealth fighters and a second squadron of F-15IA Military-Aircraft.
Once these Deliveries are completed in the coming years, industry estimates project that the Israeli Air Force will operate a total of 100 F-35I aircraft and 50 F-15IA jets. The comprehensive procurement packages include not only the airframes but also full fleet integration, spare parts, logistics support, and long-term sustainment protocols to ensure operational readiness.
Strategic Context and the 350-Billion-Shekel Plan
The fighter jet acquisition represents the opening phase of a much larger military modernization effort. According to regional reporting by Globes, the purchases are part of a broader 350-billion-shekel (approx. $119 billion) force buildup plan designed to address complex security challenges over the next decade.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that the decision was heavily influenced by recent operational experiences. In a statement cited by The Times of Israel, Katz noted that the lessons learned from recent regional campaigns necessitate an accelerated force buildup.
“Our mission is clear: to stay ahead of our enemies,”
Katz said in his public remarks, emphasizing the need to ensure air superiority for decades to come. Following the ministerial committee’s authorization, Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram has reportedly instructed Israeli procurement delegations in the U.S. to begin finalizing the formal agreements with American military and government counterparts.
AirPro News analysis
The simultaneous acquisition of both Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation F-35 and Boeing’s advanced F-15 variant highlights a dual-pronged approach to aerial warfare. While the F-35 provides unmatched stealth, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare capabilities for penetrating contested airspace, the F-15IA offers superior payload capacity and extended range. Together, these platforms create a highly complementary force structure.
A critical underlying factor in this procurement timeline is the financial mechanism. Israel’s current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States regarding military aid is set to expire in 2028. The existing framework provides approximately $3.3 billion annually in foreign military financing, plus an additional $500 million for missile defense. We assess that securing these massive fighter contracts now likely reflects a strategic effort to lock in long-term capabilities and production slots while negotiations for a subsequent aid package proceed with the U.S. administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What aircraft is Israel purchasing?
Israel is acquiring two new combat squadrons, specifically a fourth squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35I stealth fighters and a second squadron of Lockheed Martin F-15IA jets.
How much is the deal worth?
According to the Israeli Defense Ministry, as reported by Reuters, the procurement agreements are valued at tens of billions of shekels.
What will the final fleet sizes be?
Industry estimates from regional outlets project that these acquisitions will eventually bring the Israeli Air Force’s total inventory to 100 F-35I aircraft and 50 F-15IA jets.
Who are the primary defense contractors involved?
The aircraft are being manufactured by U.S.-based aerospace companies Lockheed Martin (producing the F-35) and Boeing (producing the F-15).
Sources: Reuters
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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