The event was led by Colonel Gianmarco Di Loreto, commander of the 6th Wing, who addressed personnel stationed at the “Luigi Olivari” military airport. The first F-35A aircraft was assigned to the unit nearly four years ago, beginning what the Italian Ministry of Defence described as a broad technological, cultural and operational transformation across the wing.
According to the ministry, the introduction of the F-35A required the unit to acquire new operational capabilities while redefining procedures and functions throughout the organisation. The aircraft’s emphasis on data fusion, advanced connectivity and low observability introduced an operational model centred on digital superiority and integrated information management.
The ministry said the transition at the 6th Wing has now become a consolidated operational reality capable of maintaining continuous readiness during the ongoing evolution process. The unit has participated in several major operational and training activities, including Italy’s national airspace surveillance system, Quick Reaction Alert missions and Enhanced Air Policing deployments in Poland and Estonia.
The 6th Wing is now considered fully integrated into fifth-generation operational concepts within the Italian Air Force. The ministry said the transformation reflects the service’s broader modernisation efforts in response to increasingly complex and dynamic operational environments.
During the event, Di Loreto thanked personnel for their professionalism, commitment and dedication in reaching the milestone. He said the contribution of all personnel had enabled the unit to achieve high operational standards while preparing for future challenges, including the planned activation of the “F-35 Citadel” infrastructure and NATO exercises scheduled for 2026.
“In the coming years, the 6th Wing will be called upon to achieve full operational maturity of the F-35A ‘Lightning II’ weapon system, with the objective of maximising its employment in increasingly complex and interconnected multi-domain scenarios,” Di Loreto said in his closing remarks.
“In this perspective, the aircraft will operate as a central node of an integrated network of air, land, naval, space and cyber assets, helping to strengthen the role of the Wing and the Italian Air Force in multinational contexts, with particular reference to the Atlantic Alliance,” he added.
