Tom Kington
Tom Kington is the Italy correspondent for Defense News.
All Stories By Tom
‘Madness’: Italy’s Crosetto slams British secrecy on GCAP fighter jet
“It’s a huge favor to the Russians and the Chinese,” the defense minister told Defense News.
Sweden To Get 1st NH90 Helicopter in Fall
After much delay, Sweden is due to receive its first NH90 helicopter for anti-submarine warfare this autumn, with final operating capability achieved within three to five years thanks to a full delivery of five aircraft, an official said at the Paris Air Show.
Swedish Air Chief Raps Russian Provocations
Sweden's Air Force chief denounced provocative tactics used by Russian pilots in the Baltic region as "very dangerous" and said Swedish Air Force countermeasures, including scrambles and sensor use, are up 50 percent in the last two years.
Italy Plans First F-35 Flight in October
The first F-35 flight outside the US will take place in October when Italy's first F-35 begins test flights after rolling off the country's final assembly line, a Lockheed Martin official said.
Italy Swaps Eurofighter With M-346 for Training
Italian Air Force Eurofighter pilots will fly training exercises alongside an M-346 jet trainer, which will take on the role of an "aggressor" aircraft, an Italian industrial source has said.
Germany Selects MEADS For Missile Defense
Germany has picked the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) for its missile defense needs over the Patriot, providing a much needed shot in the arm for the Lockheed Martin backed MEADS program. MEADS will form the basis of the Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem (TLVS), a tactical air and missile defense system, which replaces Patriot systems in operation since the 1980s.
Kuwait, Italy Discuss Eurofighter Buy
Kuwait has started discussions to buy up to 28 Eurofighters, a source knowledgeable of the talks told Defense News
Italian Budget Protects JSF Buy
Italy appears set to push ahead with its order of 90 joint strike fighters, and has said it will buy 38 by 2020, despite simmering pressure from politicians to trim the program.
Italy Releases 2015 Defense Budget
Italy has released its final defense ministry budget for 2015, showing that spending continues to decline, although once again procurement gets a hefty top-up from the coffers of Italy's industry ministry.
New Effort at European UAV Raises Hopes
Operational needs of the French, German and Italian air forces and national sovereignty are key factors as the three governments gave a green light for a definition study for a future European medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV.
