The Italian Air Force released rare images of two F-35B fighter jets operating inside the historic “Hangar Nervi” in Pantelleria, a strategic island located between Sicily and Tunisia.
The underground structure, built before World War II, drew attention once again after hosting the modern stealth fighters with short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities during an exercise held between April 20 and 24.
The training marked an important step forward in Italy’s expeditionary capability. Unlike previous missions, which involved only quick refueling landings, this time the Air Force deployed the entire logistical structure needed to sustain full operations far from the main base in Amendola. Technicians, maintenance equipment, and support systems were sent to ensure the full operation of the F-35B in a remote environment.
The activities also involved integration with Eurofighter Typhoon fighters from the 37th Stormo and C-130J transport aircraft from the 46th Air Brigade. The objective was to increase interoperability between different air assets and reinforce NATO’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, which envisions dispersed operations from smaller runways and austere bases to improve the survivability and flexibility of air forces in conflict scenarios.
Measuring around 340 meters in length, the Hangar Nervi was designed to protect dozens of Italian aircraft under a massive concrete structure integrated into Pantelleria’s volcanic landscape. The image of the F-35B inside the shelter symbolizes the meeting between Italy’s most advanced military technology and one of the most iconic remnants of European military aviation from the last century.
Due velivoli F-35B del 32° Stormo dell’#AeronauticaMilitare si sono rischierati al Distaccamento Aeroportuale di Pantelleria (TP), segnando un passo importante nello sviluppo della capacità air expeditionary.
Maggiori informazioni ⬇️ https://t.co/92OtIZgZpc pic.twitter.com/7DU7YLQ8y9— Aeronautica Militare (@ItalianAirForce) May 12, 2026
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Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @ItalianAirForce | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
