The 6th Wing of the Italian Air Force in Ghedi recently celebrated a significant operational milestone: the first 1000 flight hours of the F-35A “Lightning II” aircraft. This event, held on July 2nd, was attended by numerous civilian, military, and religious authorities from the province of Brescia.
The first Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft landed on the runway of the Ghedi military airport on June 14, 2022. Since then, the Brescia Airbase has entered a new operational phase characterized by the use of F-35 aircraft, known for their advanced capabilities in terms of low radar observability (Stealth), cutting-edge sensors, and integrated avionics that enable unprecedented air superiority.
During the ceremony on the afternoon of July 2nd, Colonel Luca Giuseppe Vitaliti, commander of the “Red Devils,” outlined the significant achievements of the unit thanks to the use of the F-35s. The milestone of reaching 1000 flight hours was described as a starting point for even more ambitious goals in the future.
The transition from the old Tornado aircraft to the innovative F-35s represents a tangible sign of the technological and operational evolution of the Italian Air Force. Since its establishment in 1923, the Italian Air Force has never stopped innovating to face increasingly complex and dynamic operational scenarios.
The advanced features of the F-35s include an avionics suite capable of merging different information in real-time, high precision in engagements, and net-centric capabilities that make these aircraft essential tools for the defense of Italian territory and the protection of national airspace.
The prestigious milestone of 1000 flight hours not only represents a success for the “Red Devils” but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the operational history of the unit. The professionalism and determination of the personnel of the 6th Wing, along with their willingness to continuously grow and evolve, have been highlighted as key elements behind this success.
Italian Version
