Italy became the first non-US country to receive operational F-35 Lightning IIs on Dec. 12, according to IHS Jane’s. The two F-35As were delivered to the 32nd Wing at Amendola Air Force Base, where they will be part of the newly created 13 Squadron. Italy is the only F-35 partner nation besides Japan to have its own Final Assembly and Check Out facility, which is located at Cameri. Italy has ordered a total of 60 F-35As and 30 F-35Bs. The last aircraft is scheduled to be delivered by 2027.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
