Italy has announced a comprehensive plan to upgrade the capabilities of the F-35B stealth fighters operated by its naval air arm. This initiative includes the integration of the Kongsberg Joint Strike Missile (JSM) and other advanced weaponry, significantly enhancing the operational potential of these state-of-the-art aircraft. These details were revealed as the Italian Navy’s F-35Bs participated in the large-scale Pitch Black drills in Australia aboard the aircraft carrier Cavour.
On July 15, 2024, the Italian government published a detailed list of the weapons systems to be acquired for the Italian Navy’s fleet of F-35Bs, which comprises 15 units. Concurrently, the Italian Air Force is also acquiring a similar number of F-35Bs, with plans to deploy them at sea periodically, alongside 60 F-35As designed for conventional takeoff and landing. The overarching strategy aims to furnish Italy with a fifth-generation aviation weapon system, replacing the aging AV-8B Harrier II fleet, with an operational timeline extending at least 30 years, effectively addressing the evolving complexities of modern and future combat scenarios.
The AV-8B+ Harrier II, the current mainstay of the Italian Navy’s carrier-capable combat aircraft fleet, includes 14 active units and a single two-seat trainer. These aircraft are also participating in the Pitch Black exercise, showcasing their enduring role alongside the more advanced F-35Bs. The most significant development in the Italian Navy’s F-35B armament is the inclusion of the JSM, an air-launched variant of the sea and ground-launched Naval Strike Missile (NSM), developed by Norway’s Kongsberg in cooperation with U.S. defense contractor Raytheon.
The JSM, like the NSM, boasts a maximum range of approximately 350 miles at high altitude, which decreases by half when employed in low-altitude penetration mode. Equipped with a 260-pound warhead, the JSM navigates to its target using GPS, an inertial navigation system, and terrain mapping. The missile can receive mid-course updates through a two-way datalink, allowing it to be redirected to different targets if necessary. In the terminal phase, the JSM uses an imaging infrared seeker, which, being a passive sensor, renders the missile immune to radiofrequency jamming and detection.
The JSM’s agility and reduced-signature features enhance its survivability, providing a degree of stealth. However, the missile can only be carried externally on the F-35B due to the STOVL version’s smaller internal weapon bays, unlike the F-35A and F-35C, which can accommodate the missile internally. Despite this limitation, the JSM’s long range and survivability ensure that the F-35B can launch the missile from a safe distance, avoiding exposure to hostile air defenses.
The versatility of the JSM extends beyond anti-ship capabilities; it can also target land-based objectives, granting the Italian Navy’s F-35Bs a significant long-range strike capacity. Italy is the first nation to select the JSM for the F-35B variant, with other countries like Norway, Japan, Finland, and the U.S. Air Force planning to arm their F-35As with this missile.
Another key weapon announced for the Italian Navy’s F-35B is the SPEAR 3 precision-guided standoff munition. The SPEAR 3, developed from the Brimstone missile, features a small turbojet engine and pop-out wings, allowing it to achieve a range of at least 87 miles at high subsonic speeds. Its tri-mode seeker, combining radar, infrared, and laser homing functions, enables it to engage static and moving targets on land and sea in all weather conditions, day or night.
Photo: F35 and Typhoon with SPEAR – source MBDA
The SPEAR 3 navigates using GPS and inertial guidance, with the ability to receive target coordinates via datalink during flight. It can autonomously identify and engage targets upon reaching the target area, with laser guidance being particularly useful for moving targets or precise impact points. Although not explicitly mentioned, the SPEAR 3 is also being developed with electronic warfare capabilities, transforming it into an asset capable of jamming and decoy functions.
Other weapons designated for the Italian Navy’s F-35Bs include:
- The 250-pound GBU-53 Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II);
- The 500-pound GBU-12 Paveway II, GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), and GBU-54 Laser JDAM precision-guided munitions with BLU-111 thermally insensitive bomb bodies;
- The 1,000-pound class GBU-32 JDAM with BLU-110 thermally insensitive bomb body.
In terms of air-to-air capabilities, the F-35Bs will be armed with the short-range AIM-9X Sidewinder, the medium-range AIM-120 AMRAAM, and the long-range Meteor missile. The Meteor, one of the most formidable beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles available, is part of a joint integration plan for the F-35B and F-35A, which includes Italy and the United Kingdom.
The integration of these weapons relies on the F-35’s Block 4 upgrade, incorporating the new Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) suite. However, delays in TR-3 have pushed some Block 4 enhancements to the 2030s. The Italian Navy will also receive ammunition for the 25mm GAU-22/A gun, which, unlike the internal guns of the F-35A, is deployed on the F-35B and F-35C through a GPU-9/A gun pod.
The acquisition of these advanced weapons systems will cost 682 million euros ($742 million) over 14 years, with 650 million euros ($707 million) already funded. Once fully delivered and integrated, the F-35B will achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC) in the carrier-based role by 2030, contingent on the progress of the Block 4 upgrade.
The introduction of these advanced munitions significantly boosts the Italian Navy’s capabilities compared to the AV-8B, which lacks standoff anti-ship or land attack weapons. The F-35B is already being prepared to replace the Harrier II aboard the aircraft carrier Cavour, Italy’s flagship. The Cavour, designed to embark fixed-wing aircraft, entered service in 2009 and features a ski-jump ramp for launching AV-8Bs and F-35Bs. The carrier can accommodate up to 36 aircraft, including a mix of jets and helicopters. For Exercise Pitch Black, the carrier is currently hosting 13 jets (a mix of AV-8Bs and F-35Bs) and two NH90 helicopters.
Compared to the Harriers, the F-35B offers significantly enhanced strike capabilities, including the ability to penetrate advanced enemy air defenses, positioning the Italian Navy for a more substantial role in NATO maritime operations. It also fosters potential collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps, similar to the U.K. Royal Navy’s partnership, where Marine Corps F-35B squadrons are integrated into the air wing during operational cruises.
In addition to the Cavour, the Italian Navy’s F-35Bs will also operate from the Trieste, a landing helicopter dock expected to enter service this year. Despite the limited fleet size of 15 F-35Bs, with three units allocated for training in the U.S., the Italian Navy’s carrier force ambitions remain high. To support anticipated missions, cooperation with the Italian Air Force’s fleet of 15 F-35Bs, also designated for land-based operations, is expected. This might further drive collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps, potentially augmenting embarked F-35B capacity in specific contingencies.
While the Italian Navy’s F-35B fleet is modest, the strategic vision for its carrier force is impressive. The planned armament provides versatile capabilities for a broad spectrum of contingencies, enhancing Italy’s and NATO’s maritime and aerial combat readiness. The transition from the AV-8B to the F-35B marks a significant leap in technology and operational capability, ensuring that the Italian Navy remains a formidable force in future military engagements.
APPENDIX 1 – Italy’s Carrier-Capable F-35B Stealth Fighters to Get New Advanced Weapons
Italy has announced an extensive plan to enhance the capabilities of its F-35B stealth fighters, operated by the Italian Navy. This comprehensive initiative includes the integration of the Kongsberg Joint Strike Missile (JSM) and other advanced weaponry, significantly augmenting the operational potential of these cutting-edge aircraft. These developments were revealed during the Italian Navy’s participation in the large-scale Pitch Black drills in Australia aboard the aircraft carrier Cavour.
Overview of F-35B Stealth Fighters
General Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
- Role: Multi-role stealth fighter
- Crew: 1
- Unit Cost: Approximately $122 million
Dimensions:
- Length: 15.6 meters (51.2 feet)
- Wingspan: 10.7 meters (35 feet)
- Height: 4.33 meters (14.2 feet)
- Wing Area: 42.7 square meters (459 square feet)
Performance:
- Maximum Speed: Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph, 1,930 km/h)
- Combat Radius: 450 nautical miles (833 kilometers)
- Ferry Range: Over 1,200 nautical miles (2,200 kilometers)
- Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)
Powerplant:
- Engine: 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-600 turbofan with integrated lift fan for STOVL
Armament Capacity:
- Internal Weapons Bay: 2 × 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs, 2 × AIM-120 AMRAAM
- External Hardpoints: 4 pylons for up to 5,700 lb (2,590 kg) of ordnance
Avionics:
- Radar: AN/APG-81 AESA radar
- Electronic Warfare: AN/ASQ-239 Barracuda system
- Communication: Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL), Link-16
- Targeting: Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS)
- Distributed Aperture System (DAS): 360-degree situational awareness
Weapons and Systems Integration
Kongsberg Joint Strike Missile (JSM):
- Type: Air-launched multi-role missile
- Range: Approximately 350 miles (563 kilometers) at high altitude; 150 miles (241 kilometers) at low altitude
- Warhead: 260-pound (120 kg) high-explosive
- Guidance: GPS, inertial navigation system, terrain mapping, imaging infrared seeker
- Capabilities: Anti-ship and land attack, re-targetable via datalink, stealth features
SPEAR 3 Precision-Guided Munition:
- Type: Precision-guided standoff missile
- Range: At least 87 miles (140 kilometers)
- Seeker: Tri-mode seeker (radar, infrared, laser)
- Propulsion: Small turbojet engine
- Capabilities: Engage static and moving targets, electronic warfare payloads
Other Munitions:
- 250-pound GBU-53 Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II): GPS/INS guided, moving target capability
- 500-pound GBU-12 Paveway II: Laser-guided bomb
- 500-pound GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM): GPS/INS guided
- 500-pound GBU-54 Laser JDAM: Dual-mode (GPS and laser) guided
- 1,000-pound GBU-32 JDAM: GPS/INS guided
Air-to-Air Missiles:
- AIM-9X Sidewinder: Infrared-guided short-range missile
- AIM-120 AMRAAM: Radar-guided medium-range missile
- Meteor: Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with active radar homing
Avionics and Sensors
AN/APG-81 AESA Radar:
- Type: Active electronically scanned array
- Capabilities: Air-to-air, air-to-ground, electronic warfare, and intelligence
AN/ASQ-239 Barracuda Electronic Warfare System:
- Functions: Radar warning, electronic countermeasures, and self-protection
Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS):
- Functions: Target identification, tracking, laser designation
Distributed Aperture System (DAS):
- Capabilities: 360-degree situational awareness, missile warning, infrared search and track
Data and Integration Status
The integration of these advanced weapon systems is contingent upon the Block 4 upgrade of the F-35, which includes the Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) hardware and software suite. Due to delays in TR-3 development, some Block 4 enhancements may be postponed to the 2030s.
Financial Overview and Operational Goals
The Italian government has allocated 682 million euros ($742 million) over 14 years for these weapon systems, with 650 million euros ($707 million) already funded. The goal is to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC) for the F-35B fleet in the carrier-based role by 2030. This comprehensive armament plan ensures that the Italian Navy’s F-35Bs will be fully equipped for diverse operational scenarios, significantly enhancing Italy’s and NATO’s defense capabilities.
Detailed Scheme Table
Below is a detailed scheme table summarizing the technical data and capabilities of the Italian Navy’s F-35B stealth fighters:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Role | Multi-role stealth fighter |
| Crew | 1 |
| Unit Cost | $122 million |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 15.6 meters (51.2 feet) |
| Wingspan | 10.7 meters (35 feet) |
| Height | 4.33 meters (14.2 feet) |
| Wing Area | 42.7 square meters (459 square feet) |
| Performance | |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph, 1,930 km/h) |
| Combat Radius | 450 nautical miles (833 kilometers) |
| Ferry Range | Over 1,200 nautical miles (2,200 kilometers) |
| Service Ceiling | 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) |
| Powerplant | |
| Engine | 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-600 turbofan with lift fan |
| Armament Capacity | |
| Internal Weapons Bay | 2 × 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs, 2 × AIM-120 AMRAAM |
| External Hardpoints | 4 pylons for up to 5,700 lb (2,590 kg) of ordnance |
| Avionics | |
| Radar | AN/APG-81 AESA radar |
| Electronic Warfare | AN/ASQ-239 Barracuda system |
| Communication | Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL), Link-16 |
| Targeting | Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) |
| Distributed Aperture System (DAS) | 360-degree situational awareness |
| Kongsberg Joint Strike Missile (JSM) | |
| Type | Air-launched multi-role missile |
| Range | 350 miles (563 km) high altitude, 150 miles (241 km) low altitude |
| Warhead | 260-pound (120 kg) high-explosive |
| Guidance | GPS, INS, terrain mapping, imaging infrared seeker |
| SPEAR 3 Precision-Guided Munition | |
| Type | Precision-guided standoff missile |
| Range | 87 miles (140 kilometers) |
| Seeker | Tri-mode (radar, infrared, laser) |
| Propulsion | Small turbojet engine |
| Other Munitions | |
| GBU-53 Small Diameter Bomb II | GPS/INS guided, moving target capability |
| GBU-12 Paveway II | Laser-guided bomb |
| GBU-38 JDAM | GPS/INS guided |
| GBU-54 Laser JDAM | Dual-mode (GPS and laser) guided |
| GBU-32 JDAM | GPS/INS guided |
| Air-to-Air Missiles | |
| AIM-9X Sidewinder | Infrared-guided short-range missile |
| AIM-120 AMRAAM | Radar-guided medium-range missile |
| Meteor | Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with active radar homing |
This detailed scheme and the integration of advanced weapons systems underscore the Italian Navy’s commitment to maintaining a robust and versatile aerial combat capability. The F-35B stealth fighters, with their enhanced armament and state-of-the-art technology, will play a pivotal role in Italy’s national defense strategy and NATO operations, marking a significant advancement over the legacy AV-8B Harrier II aircraft.
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