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 The first of thirty-four F-16 fighters to be provided to Italy under a program known as Peace Caesar was delivered in ceremonies at Trapani AB, Italy, on 17 July. The Italian Air Force chose to lease F-16s as the most cost-effective solution to replace its aging fleet of Tornado and F-104 fighters. The lease runs for five years with a five-year follow-on option. Four nonflyable F-16 aircraft are being supplied to provide spare parts. Approximately 100 Italian Air Force maintenance officers, instructors, and technicians received F-16 maintenance training at Lockheed Martin facilities in Fort Worth, Texas. Italian instructors will train additional Italian maintenance technicians in Italy. |
