Across generations

摘要

The fourth Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) of 2018 was a historical event not just for the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force or AM) but also for NATO operations in general. Hosted by the Aeronautica Militare at Amendola Air Base, between November 19 and December 14, TLP 2018-4 was the first course to include the F-35 Lightning Ⅱ. Dubbed as a fifth-generation fighter, America's new rock and roll fighter is considered to be streets ahead of the previous generation of fighter aircraft primarily because of three capabilities: stealth, sensor fusion and network centricity. America is the only nation to currently operate fifth-generation fighters; its silver bullet F-22 Raptor, and a growing fleet of F-35 Lightning Ils. Offering its air base at Amendola, its F-35A squadron and a variety of other assets, the Aeronautica Militare made it possible for NATO to study and evaluate what's possible when the fifth-generation super fighter is integrated with older generation aircraft; fighters, strikers and command and control. The entire course has helped NATO forces to begin to understand the advantages of having the F-35 in the fight and the tactics required to best utilise the superlative capabilities of the fifth-generation all-rounder.