The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a latest generation single-seat fighter aircraft that delivers advanced capabilities enabling pilots to operate in any environment and against any threat. Italy is a Tier II partner in the programme, under which the Italian Air Force and Navy have selected the F-35.

The multi-role F-35 family includes three variants: the F-35A conventional take-off and landing variant, the F-35B short take-off/vertical landing variant, and the F-35C carrier variant. The variants are all highly capable and feature the same avionics, allowing armed forces to achieve specific mission capability.

Leonardo Aircraft Division operates the Final Assembly and Check-Out (FACO) line in a dedicated plant in Cameri, near Novara where Italian and Dutch F-35s are assembled. The Division also produces full wings for aircraft assembled in the United States using composite and metal structures manufactured at plants in Foggia, Nola and Venegono. The US Government selected Cameri to be the European regional heavy airframe Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul & Upgrade (MRO&U) centre.