Tom Kington
Tom Kington is the Italy correspondent for Defense News.
All Stories By Tom
Italy forgoes $14 billion deficit spending on defense amid wobbling economy
“Today we have other priorities. I have the priority of energy costs and the priority of responding to the needs of citizens," said the prime minister.
Trainer Price Wars: Raytheon Wanted Millions Less Per Plane Than Leonardo
The collapse of the deal between Raytheon and Italy’s Leonardo to offer the T-100 jet trainer in the US T-X competition followed Leonardo’s refusal to cut the price of the aircraft by as much as a third, Italian sources have told Defense News.
Italian Navy picks Rolls-Royce to power two new patrol boats
Rolls-Royce has been selected to supply propulsion to two new 40-meter Italian Navy special forces crafts, the firm said on Wednesday.
Marriage of European Shipyards Could Augur ‘Naval Airbus’
The long awaited, much needed consolidation of Europe’s fragmented naval industry — which some believe could one day lead to a ‘Naval Airbus’ — may be about to take its first step with the planned acquisition of France’s Saint-Nazaire yard by Italy’s Fincantieri.
Leonardo Lands $532 Million in Trainer, Helo Contracts
The company will supply the Italian Ministry of Defense new M-345 jet trainers and new assault helicopter, replacing the A129 Mangusta.
Leonardo Completing Name Change on New Year's Day
Following a big billboard advertising campaign across Italy in the holiday season, the firm will now switch to Leonardo on the first day of 2017.
Italy Orders Retrial in India Helicopter Kickback Case
Italy’s supreme court has ordered a retrial for Giuseppe Orsi, the former CEO at Leonardo-Finmeccanica, who was sentenced to four and a half years in April for his alleged role in helicopter contract kickbacks in India.
Italy Sends FREMM Frigate on Promotional Tour of Australia
An Italian Navy FREMM frigate will visit Australia in January and February and hold exercises with the Australian Navy in the wake of the type’s short listing for acquisition by Australia.
First F-35s Built Outside of US Go Operational in Italy
Italy has taken delivery of two F-35 jets at its Amendola Air Base — the first joint strike fighters built outside the US to become operational.
Iranian Leadership Trust in 'Pragmatic' Trump
Senior Iranian government officials are convinced US President-elect Donald Trump will not walk away from the US end of the nuclear deal with Iran, instead opting for pragmatism and business deals, an analyst has claimed.
