Decimomannu (Cagliari, in Sardinia) Air Base is set to become an operational hub for F-35 fighters, as highlighted in the Multi-Year Defense Programming Document 2024-2026. The Italian Air Force plans to strengthen its fleet by adding fifteen F-35As and five F-35Bs, some of which will be based in Decimomannu. Currently, the airport serves as a location for the Experimental and Standardization Department of Aerial Shooting and also hosts the International Flight Training School (IFTS).

With the introduction of the F-35s, Decimomannu will move beyond its training role to take on a more prominent position in the operational management and logistical support for these highly advanced fifth-generation aircraft. The expansion project envisages that the Italian Armed Forces will have a total of 115 F-35s, more than the 90 originally planned, with an overall investment exceeding 18 billion Euros. In particular, for Phase 2b alone, which includes the expansion of the infrastructure at Decimomannu and Grottaglie (Taranto, in Apulia Region), investments of approximately 7 billion Euros are planned. In addition, purchases of 24 more Eurofighters have been planned, further increasing Italy's defensive capabilities.