Tom Kington
Tom Kington is the Italy correspondent for Defense News.
All Stories By Tom
UK taps Leonardo for $1.3 billion medium-lift helicopter deal
British officials have portrayed the contract as the beginning of a renaissance for British helicopter manufacturing, crewed and uncrewed.
L-39NG Upgrade Captures Customers' Attention
Czech company Aero Vodochody has announced three customers who have signed up to enter the L-39 Next Generation upgrade program, which will equip their L-39 jet trainers with new engines and systems.
France To Order New Trainer
France has invited manufacturers to compete to replace the country's Alpha jet trainers, with a formal request for proposals expected by year's end, officials said at the Paris Air Show.
Airbus Unveils New Helo at Paris Air Show
Airbus Helicopters has given details of plans to develop a new heavy helicopter, known as the X6, which it believes will become a successor to its NH90 and H225 helicopters with military customers in 15 years time.
Piaggio Pitches Hammerhead as Interim MALE
Piaggio Aerospace is pitching its business jet-turned UAV, The P.IHH Hammerhead, as a temporary solution before Europe jointly develops a MALE UAV.
JSF Block Buy Could Reach 500 Fighters
PARIS — Countries signing up to buy the joint strike fighter have all said they are interested in a block buy that could see commitments to purchase 500 of the aircraft, a Lockheed Martin official said on Monday.
Russia To Receive New Fighters by Early 2017
Russia will receive its first batch of fifth generation fighters in late 2016 or early 2017, the head of Russia's United Aircraft Corp. said Monday.
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.
