On 30th July 2020 the Italian Air Force conduced an exercise to prove the expeditionary capability of its first F-35B.
The exercise, named “Proof of Concept Expeditionary“, involved many assets including KC-130J Super Hercules, C-27J Spartan and MQ-9 Predator.
The F-35B landed at the Pantelleria Air Force Detachment on the island of Pantelleria.
During the flight the F-35B was refueled by a KC-130J of the 46th Air Brigade of Pisa AFB.
The Force Protection was ensured by “Fucilieri dell’Aria” from the 16th Force Protection Wing and Combat Controller from the 17th Wing.
Island of Pantelleria
The island of Pantelleria is a strategic location for Italian Armed Forces because is located in the Strait of Sicily at only 60 km (37 mi) from the north African coast of Tunisia.
Photo
The Air Force, on its social channels, has published some interesting photos.
Credits: Italian Air Force