Italy is investing €682 million to equip its F-35Bs with JSM and Spear 3 missiles, aiming for full operational capability by 2030.

The Italian government has submitted a request for parliamentary scrutiny to acquire the armaments required for the full operational capability (FOC) of the fifth-generation F-35B STOVL (short take-off and vertical landing) aircraft. The programme, with a total cost of 682 million euros, has already been financed to the tune of 650.07 million euros. Weapons include air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, guided bombs and cannon shells. The upgrade is designed to replace the ageing AV-8Bs and to cope with complex operational scenarios. The F-35Bs will be equipped with JSM missiles for long-range naval targets and Spear 3 missiles for medium-range engagements, among other weapons.

On 4 July 2024, the Italian government submitted a request for parliamentary consideration of a programme to acquire the weapons needed for the F-35B STOVL to achieve full operational capability. This programme, with a total cost of €682 million, has already received funding of €650.07 million from the ordinary defence budget. This initiative is part of the modernisation of the Italian armed forces and the replacement of the ageing AV-8B aircraft.

Legislative context and parliamentary review process

Under the Italian legislative framework, any programme for the acquisition of weapons systems, infrastructure and national defence assets must be submitted for review to the defence committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives. These committees have forty days to issue their opinions. If the government fails to comply with the conditions or if the committees issue a negative opinion, the decree is sent back with the government’s counter-arguments for a final opinion within thirty days. In the event of an absolute negative opinion based on non-compliance with the Multi-Year Defence Programme (MYDP), the programme cannot progress.

Programme objectives and specific armaments

The armament programme for the F-35B STOVL is designed to replace the AV-8B and meet the challenges of current and future operational scenarios. Specific weapons to be procured include various types of guided bombs, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, and 25mm cannon shells. Here is a detailed overview of the weapons:

• Guided bombs**: 113 kg Small Diameter Bomb – SDB II (GBU-53), 227 kg BLU-111 bomb body with guidance kits for GBU-12, GBU-38 and GBU-54, and 454 kg BLU-110 bomb body with guidance kits for GBU-32.
• Air-to-air missiles**: AIM-9X Sidewinder for short-range engagements, AIM-120 AMRAAM for medium-range engagements, and Meteor for long-range engagements.
• Air-to-ground missiles**: JSM (Joint Strike Missile) for long-range naval targets and Spear 3 for medium-range engagements.
• Gun shells**: 25 mm shells for the four-tube GAU-22/A gun, a derivative of the five-tube 25 mm GAU-12/U Equalizer.

Joint Strike Missile (JSM)

The Joint Strike Missile (JSM), developed by Kongsberg Defence Systems in collaboration with Raytheon, is a long-range precision-guided missile. Designed to be integrated into the F-35 Lightning II and other modern aircraft, the JSM can be carried internally to maintain stealth. It is designed for anti-surface warfare and land attack missions, targeting high-value assets at sea and on land. The JSM has advanced navigation systems, a range of more than 300 kilometres and low-flying capabilities to avoid detection.

Spear 3 missile

The Spear 3, developed by MBDA, is an air-launched precision strike missile designed for use with the F-35 and other fighter aircraft. It has a range of more than 140 kilometres and can engage a variety of targets, including armoured vehicles, air defence systems and infrastructure. The Spear 3 is equipped with a turbojet engine for extended range, a multi-mode seeker for high accuracy and electronic warfare capabilities to counter enemy defences. Its compact size means it can carry several missiles per aircraft, increasing tactical flexibility.

Strategic consequences of weapons acquisition

The acquisition of these weapons for the F-35B has major strategic implications for Italy. On the one hand, it strengthens the Italian Navy’s power projection capabilities and its ability to operate in complex threat environments. On the other hand, it improves interoperability with the armed forces of NATO allies, thereby strengthening the collective defence posture. In addition, this modernisation will enable Italy to maintain a competitive air force in the face of technological developments and new threats.

The F-35B: Technical characteristics and advantages

The F-35B STOVL is a fifth-generation multi-role fighter capable of short take-offs and vertical landings, making it suitable for operations from small aircraft carriers and forward bases. With a length of 15.4 metres, a wingspan of 10.7 metres and a wing area of 42.7 m², they weigh 14,700 kg empty and can carry 6,045 kg of internal fuel. Their maximum take-off weight is around 27,300 kg. The F-35B has a range of 1,670 kilometres and a combat radius of 845 kilometres with internal fuel.

Italy’s investment in the F-35B STOVL demonstrates its commitment to maintaining modern and effective armed forces. This programme not only enhances the Italian Navy’s operational capabilities, but also its role within NATO. By combining advanced technologies and sophisticated weaponry, Italy is positioning itself to meet current and future security challenges, ensuring a robust and adaptable defence.

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