New Delhi, Feb. 2 -- In a recent interview with Rivista Aeronautica, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force stated: "...without the F-35 our level of deterrence would be lower. With the F-35 we represent a serious problem for any potential aggressor. This is why it is essential to continue developing this capability, both in terms of potential and in terms of numbers." The Italian Air Force currently has five operational flight groups equipped with 5th-generation aircraft: - the 156th OCU Group deployed at the Pilot Training Center at Luke AFB in Arizona; - the 102nd and 154th Groups based at Ghedi with the 6th Wing; - the 13th and 101st Groups based at Amendola with the 32nd Wing. From our sources, approximately 35 aircraft have been delivere...