The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II 32-01/MM7332 completed its maiden flight on September 7, 2015 and is the first Italian Air Force F-35 and the first F-35 to be assembled outside the U.S.A.. This aircraft is also the first F-35 assigned to 32 Stormo (Squadron). The assembly took place at the FACO (Final Assembly & Check Out) facility in Cameri. On February 5, 2016 F-35A 32-01/MM7332 left Cameri for an eleven hour flight with seven air-refuels to reach NAS Patuxent River, Maryland and later on to Luke AFB for pilot training.