Ghedi Air Base
Summary
| Operating Country | 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Location | 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Status | ◉ Active |
| Usage | Military only |
| Year built | 1909 |
| Operating Organization | Italian Air Force |
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Location & Details
| Coordinates | 45.4322°N, 10.2678°E |
| Elevation | 101 m (331 ft) |
| ICAO code | LIPL |
| Runways |
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Description
Ghedi Air Base is located 15 km southeast of Brescia in Lombardy, Italy. The installation hosts the 6° Stormo (6th Wing) of the Italian Air Force. The wing traces its origins to the pre-WWII era and was reconstituted at Ghedi in 1955. During the Cold War, the unit operated F-84F Thunderstreaks and Panavia Tornado IDS strike aircraft.
The 6° Stormo comprises three squadrons: the 102° Gruppo and 154° Gruppo, which operate F-35A Lightning II aircraft, and the 155° Gruppo, which operates the Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance). The base is one of the European sites hosting B61 nuclear bombs under NATO nuclear sharing agreements. These weapons are maintained during peacetime by the U.S. Air Force 704th Munitions Support Squadron (MUNSS).
Infrastructure includes underground Weapon Storage and Security System (WS3) vaults situated within aircraft shelters. The facility has undergone upgrades to support F-35A operations and is certified for NATO nuclear missions. The site maintains a portion of the nuclear stockpile hosted by Italy, with additional assets located at Aviano Air Base.