Foggia‑Amendola Air Base (ICAO: LIBA) is a major Italian Air Force base located in Apulia, about 5 km south of the hamlet of Amendola, near Foggia. It is controlled by the Italian Aeronautica Militare and is officially designated as a first‑group Main Operating Base, meaning it is dedicated exclusively to military operations.
The airfield spans roughly 1,050 hectares, making it one of Italy’s largest military airfields. Its runway, designated 11/29, is made of asphalt and is approximately 2,660 m (8,727 ft) long, capable of handling modern combat aircraft.
The base is home to the 32nd Wing (“32° Stormo”) of the Italian Air Force, which now operates advanced fifth‑generation fighters: both the F‑35A (conventional take-off) and the F‑35B (STOVL, short take-off / vertical landing). On July 1, 2025, the 101st Flight Group was reactivated at Amendola, flying the F-35B.
Amendola has taken on a growing role within NATO: it is the only base in Italy operating both F‑35A and F‑35B models, contributing to Italy’s air expeditionary capability. It also supports unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations — the 28th Squadron flies MQ‑9A Predator Bs for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance) missions.
In 2024, the base hosted a major “Drone Protection” exercise, testing anti‑drone defenses with mini and micro UAVs — a sign of its growing role in modern aerial defense. In late 2025, it is also the headquarters for Falcon Strike, a large multinational exercise involving more than 50 aircraft and 1,000 personnel from Italy, the U.S., the U.K., France, and Greece.
In terms of command and control, the on‑base approach control is handled by Amendola Approach / Radar on 118.855 MHz. Outside operational hours, the base’s control zone can only be accessed via coordination with Rome ACC.
Over recent years, the infrastructure has continued to modernize: a 2024–2026 defense program includes multi‑million‑euro funding to upgrade UAV facilities (the cittadella dei sistemi), including new hangars and command infrastructure.
Overall, Foggia-Amendola is now one of Europe’s most strategically important air bases — not only a stronghold for Italy’s F-35 fleet but also a key center for NATO interoperability, UAV operations, and advanced training.
For private jet hire or more information, contact us at +30 210 996 7870 (24 HRS) or info@jets4you.net