Tom Kington
Tom Kington is the Italy correspondent for Defense News.
All Stories By Tom
Italy rejects aid scheme that buys US weapons for Ukraine’s defense
NATO has said the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism has helped fund the purchase of air-defense systems, in particular.
UK defense secretary resigns in protest of government spending plan
In his resignation letter to Starmer, Healey said he had now seen the defense funding plan, and it “falls well short of what is required."
Germany welcome in GCAP, but new Leonardo boss warns about timing
CEO Lorenzo Mariani said that the advantages of a new partner were extra cash and know-how.
Huge fascist-era underground cisterns draw Western special forces to Italy for tunnel training
After resisting 150 bombing runs by the Allies in the Second World War, the cisterns continued to be used by the Italian Air Force to hold aviation fuel.
Canadian fighter pilot school to get M-346 trainer jets from Leonardo
The ITPS currently trains pilots on the Aero Vodochody L-39 and is working with over ten air forces to provide advanced jet training, the school CEO said.
Italy rethinks EU defense-financing aid as arms spending falls out of fashion
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wants to refocus the bloc's help on lowering the cost of living for Italians, as energy costs have soared amid the Iran war.
Italy settles on Airbus tanker purchase in swing toward European equipment
The deal marks a shift from Boeing to Airbus for the Italian Air Force, which flies four Boeing 767-based tanker aircraft which entered service from 2011.
Outgoing Leonardo boss touts ‘Michelangelo Dome,’ cyber tack as key achievements
Asked what he plans to do next, Cingolani said, “I am getting on my motorbike and will travel around Europe for a while.”
