🇮🇹 Italian Navy explores Bayraktar for its Cavour

 

The Italian Navy is reportedly exploring the use of the Bayraktar TB3 as a carrier-based UAV, with the Cavour emerging as a potential operating platform. While no formal acquisition has been announced, the concept aligns with the Navy’s growing interest in expanding its unmanned capabilities at sea.

The TB3 has been designed for ship-based operations, featuring folding wings and short take-off capability, making it compatible with carriers without catapult systems. This places it within a niche segment of naval UAVs suited to platforms like the Cavour or the LHD Trieste.

A key factor behind the credibility of this option is the existing cooperation between Baykar and Leonardo. Any potential acquisition would likely be framed within this industrial partnership, allowing for the integration of Italian systems and aligning the platform more closely with European requirements.

At this stage, the TB3 should be understood as one of several possible options rather than a confirmed program. However, the combination of operational fit and industrial cooperation makes it a plausible candidate as the Italian Navy continues to define its future unmanned aviation capability.

Spare parts worth €17 million disappear from the Aeronautica Militare; investigation reaches senior officers

Italy is investigating the disappearance of military aeronautical materiel valued at approximately €17 million, originating from a Aeronautica Militare depot in Brindisi. What began as an administrative issue has rapidly escalated into a judicial case, involving both civilian and military prosecutors.

According to the ongoing investigation, around 2,500 aeronautical components appear to have left the logistics system without clear justification. These were not generic items, but critical avionics equipment and modules associated with the Tornado, the AMX, and the C-130 Hercules.

One of the most striking aspects of the case is that the AMX has already been withdrawn from service in Italy. The Aeronautica Militare officially retired the type in 2024, reinforcing the hypothesis that part of the material declared “out of use” may have been diverted by exploiting its formal removal from inventory, without any real operational requirement to justify its disappearance.

The AMX, however, has not vanished entirely from the operational landscape. While Italy has retired the aircraft, the type remains in active service with the Força Aérea Brasileira. This helps explain why certain spare parts and avionics modules continue to hold real value on the international market, particularly for fleets that still depend on certified inventories.

These are systems that, even within ageing fleets, retain high operational and logistical value—especially for countries that continue to operate these platforms or are managing a transition away from them.

At the core of the case is not only the physical loss of material, but the breakdown of traceability. One of the main hypotheses is that part of the equipment was administratively reclassified as non-operational or obsolete, allowing it to be removed from official inventories before actually disappearing.

In a military environment—where every component has a serial number, a history, and a documented chain of custody—this aspect is particularly sensitive.

The investigation reportedly involves around a dozen individuals, including logistics officials, senior officers, and personnel linked to external companies involved in maintenance or materiel management.

There are, for now, no convictions or definitive conclusions. However, the mere fact that generals are under investigation gives a clear indication of the seriousness of the affair.

The international trail

Some reports suggest that part of the components may have left Italy, with South America—including Brazil—emerging as a possible destination. This is not idle speculation: a secondary market for certified military spare parts does exist. It is opaque, highly specialised, and involves significant sums, particularly when original production lines have long been shut down.

The case raises uncomfortable questions about the real inviolability of logistics control systems, what happens to critical materiel as fleets age, and to what extent the spare parts market can become a risk vector.

At a time when Europe is openly discussing strategic autonomy, industrial sustainment, and military resilience, the disappearance of certified equipment from within an allied air force is more than a one-off scandal.

This case sits at the intersection of logistics, industrial control, and institutional responsibility. Its outcome will help shape how military assets are managed—and protected—during periods of transition and sustained budgetary pressure.

After M-346 deal, Indonesia in talks with Italy for aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi

 

Indonesia appears to be moving closer to acquiring its first aircraft carrier, the retired Italian Navy vessel Giuseppe Garibaldi, as part of a broader effort to enhance its maritime capabilities and expand its naval reach. While no formal contract has yet been signed, the process has entered a substantive negotiation phase involving the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, the Italian Navy, and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. 

From Italian Service to Indonesian Flag

The Giuseppe Garibaldi (C551) was built by Fincantieri and operated by the Marina Militare since its commissioning in 1985. After nearly four decades of service, the carrier was retired and decommissioned as newer platforms such as Trieste entered service. 

Now, Jakarta’s defence establishment is seeking to bring the ship into service under the Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut (TNI AL). Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, head of the Defence Ministry’s public relations bureau, has stated that Indonesia plans to receive Giuseppe Garibaldi as a grant from the Italian government — though ongoing negotiations mean the process is not yet complete. 

Negotiations, Timelines and Retrofits

Both Indonesian and Italian parties continue administrative and technical discussions, with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence expected to allocate funding not only for the transfer but also for retrofit and modernization work to meet Indonesian operational needs. Once transferred, the carrier will likely undergo adjustments to fit the TNI AL’s mission profiles. 

Indonesia’s Navy Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, has stated that the Garibaldi is anticipated to arrive in Indonesian waters before the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian Armed Forces on October 5, 2026, indicating Jakarta’s desire to showcase the milestone at a symbolic national event. 

A Multi-Role Platform for Indonesia

Although originally designed as an aircraft carrier capable of supporting fixed-wing aircraft, Indonesia appears open to employing the Garibaldi for a range of roles. A spokesperson for the Indonesian Navy noted that the carrier could be used primarily for Operations Other Than War (OMSP), such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, evacuations, and large-scale logistical support — missions that leverage the vessel’s size, endurance, and onboard facilities. 

At the same time, the Navy does not rule out the possibility of utilising the platform for more traditional power projection roles if strategic needs evolve. 

Following the recent training and defence cooperation momentum between Italy and Indonesia, Jakarta’s decision to move forward with the M-346 advanced jet trainer deal with Leonardo has added a new layer of strategic trust between the two nations. The agreement not only strengthens Indonesia’s pilot training pipeline and transition to modern combat aircraft, but also signals a broader deepening of defence ties that could logically extend into naval cooperation discussions — including the reported talks surrounding the future of the former Italian carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. In this context, the M-346 deal may be less an isolated procurement and more a stepping stone toward a wider, long-term military partnership.

Strategic and Regional Implications

If finalized, the acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi would mark a historic development for the Indonesian Navy, placing Jakarta among a small group of Southeast Asian states with carrier capabilities and significantly enhancing its maritime reach and operational flexibility in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Despite questions about cost, maintenance and long-term sustainability raised by analysts, Indonesia’s pursuit of a carrier — even a legacy one — reflects broader ambitions to strengthen its blue-water naval profile and respond to both traditional and non-traditional security demands in its vast archipelagic domain. 

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense signs a Letter of Intent for the M-346 Block 20.

In a strategic move to modernize its air force, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense took a decisive step by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) on February 4, 2026, with the Italian firm Leonardo. This agreement, sealed during the Singapore Airshow 2026, positions the M-346F Block 20 as the cornerstone for the generational transition of its training and light combat fleet.

Farewell to the Hawk Era

The arrival of the M-346F will mark the end of service for the veteran BAE Systems Hawk (models 109 and 209), which have been the backbone of advanced training in Indonesia for decades. The M-346 will not only take over the training role but, in its "F" (Fighter) variant, will provide multi-mission light combat capabilities, allowing the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) to operate with greater flexibility in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Technological Leap: The Block 20 Standard

The Block 20 configuration chosen by Jakarta represents the technological pinnacle of this model. Its most notable features include:

• AESA Radar: A cutting-edge sensor for high-precision detection and tracking of multiple targets.

• Digital Cockpit with LAD: Two Large Area Displays (LAD) that optimize the human-machine interface.

• Advanced Connectivity: Equipped with Link 16 data link and state-of-the-art electronic countermeasure systems.

• Refueling Capability: Includes an in-flight refueling probe, significantly extending its operational range.

Cooperation and Regional Impact

The agreement covers more than just the purchase of aircraft; it boosts the local industry through a partnership with the Indonesian company PT ESystem Solutions. This collaboration will focus on localizing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, as well as developing specialized human capital within the country.

This announcement comes just one day after Boeing confirmed the end of its campaign to sell the F-15EX to Indonesia, highlighting a shift in priorities toward platforms that balance operational costs with high technological capability.

US Approves $738 Million Sale of MQ-9 Reapers to Italy

 

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Italy of MQ-9 Block 5 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related equipment, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 15 August 2024.
The proposed sale, which is estimated to be worth USD 738 million (EUR 671.5 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
Italy has requested to buy six MQ-9 Block 5 UAVs; three MQ-9 mobile ground control stations (MGCS); 12 AN/DAS-4 Multi-spectral Target Systems; nine Lynx AN/APY-8 Block 20A synthetic aperture radars with a maritime wide area surveillance (MWAS) capability; and one embedded global positioning and inertial navigation (EGI) system.
Also included in the package are Reaper/Predator engines; Ruggedized Aircraft Maintenance Test Stations (RAMTS); various avionics and communication systems; spare and repair parts; and various aspects of programme, maintenance, logistics, technical, engineering and training support.
“The proposed sale will improve Italy’s capability to meet current and future threats by expanding and improving the Italian Air Force’s MQ-9 fleet and advancing US and NATO policy goals of security and interoperability,” the DSCA stated. “Italy already has MQ-9 Block 5 aircraft with strike capabilities in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces.”
Italy received six MQ-9s from 2009, but one was shot down during operations in Libya in November 2019. The remaining original five Reapers are being upgraded to the Block 5 standard.
The principal contractor for the sale will be General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc out of its facilities in San Diego, California.

From Cold War Icon to Modern Warfare, The Panavia Tornado Turns 50

On August 14, 2024, the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Panavia Tornado was celebrated. This iconic supersonic combat aircraft was developed during the height of the Cold War by a British-German-Italian consortium. Over five decades, nearly 1,000 units were produced in various versions, including IDS for ground attack, ADS for air defense, and ECR for electronic warfare and reconnaissance.

The Tornado entered service in 1979 and quickly became a cornerstone of the air forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. Although initially designed to counter the Soviet threat in Europe, the Tornado played an active role in numerous post-Cold War conflicts, such as the Gulf War, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. During the Gulf War in 1991, for example, the Tornado conducted low-altitude bombing missions in a highly dangerous environment, proving its effectiveness and robustness in combat.

Currently, both Germany's Luftwaffe and Italy's Aeronautica Militare continue to operate Tornados, although both countries plan to replace them with the F-35A. Italy expects to retire its last Tornado by 2025, while Germany plans to do so between 2026 and 2030. The UK's Royal Air Force retired its last Tornados in 2019, marking the end of an era.

The Tornado also had one export customer, Saudi Arabia, which acquired 120 of these aircraft, with approximately 80 still in operation. Besides its combat role, the Tornado has undergone continuous upgrades and modernizations over the years to maintain its relevance in the face of evolving threats.

In March 2024, the German Air Force and Airbus unveiled a special livery on one of the remaining Tornados in service, in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of this remarkable aircraft, which remains a testament to international collaboration and engineering excellence.

Slovenia Welcomes First of Two Advanced C-27J Aircraft

Leonardo has successfully delivered the initial C-27J Next Generation aircraft to the Slovenian Ministry of Defence as part of the Italy-Slovenia Government-to-Government (G2G) Agreement inked on November 17, 2021. This milestone marks the first of two aircraft committed under this bilateral agreement.

The aircraft boasts cutting-edge avionics featuring a glass cockpit equipped with five multifunctional color screens, a radar designed for tactical transport missions, robust communication systems, a satellite connection, ballistic protection, and winglets that enhance its aerodynamic performance significantly.

Within the scope of the G2G Agreement, Leonardo, in collaboration with the Air Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate of the Secretariat General of Defence / National Armaments Directorate, has finalized two contracts in the past couple of years. Each contract encompasses one aircraft alongside logistics and training services. The selection of the C-27J by the Slovenian Ministry of Defence perfectly aligns with their diverse operational requirements, catering to transport and projection capabilities essential for international missions. Moreover, it bolsters their capacity for national initiatives such as rescue missions, disaster relief, and firefighting duties.

The Slovenian program plans to utilize the C-27J in a specialized fire-fighting configuration. It will be outfitted with the cutting-edge MAFFS II (Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting System) from United Aeronautical Corporation, a globally renowned entity specializing in aerial firefighting application systems.

 

"Leading Company Proposes an Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Aircraft to Spain to Fill Critical Capability Gap"

INDRA, a Spanish company specializing in defense technology, unveiled a significant project at the November 2023 International Fighter Conference in Madrid. During the event, they presented a detailed video showcasing the capabilities of a modified Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft.

The video prominently displays a Bombardier Global 6000 transformed into a SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) aircraft with the livery of the Spanish Air Force, explicitly showcasing the aircraft in the colors and with the titles 'Ejército del Aire y del Espacio' (Spanish Air Force).

The aircraft exhibits Integrated Airborne Signal Intelligence Solution and Air SIGINT systems developed by INDRA. Highlighted aspects and functions in the video include the capacity for monitoring the entire spectrum, real-time depiction and information management, data analysis, data fusion, collaborative functions, and air command and control.

This project bears similarity to the one undertaken by the German Luftwaffe involving three Global 6000 business jets set to become the Luftwaffe's new fleet of Pegasus SIGINT aircraft. These jets are currently undergoing extensive modification in Wichita, Kansas, with an expected service entry in 2026 and final deliveries in 2028.

The introduction of this system developed by the Spanish company is expected to fill a capability gap within the Spanish Air Force, which currently lacks dedicated intelligence aircraft. In 2015, the Spanish Air Force decommissioned the Boeing 707 351C Electronic Warfare aircraft, nicknamed 'The Spectrum Queen,' previously assigned to the 47 Mixed Group at Torrejón Air Base.

The Boeing 707 had the capability to intercept, monitor, and record communications or signals across the electromagnetic spectrum. It could detect and listen to enemy unit communications, map radars up to 500 kilometers away, and even video-record a target from a distance of 100 kilometers.

Since the retirement of the Boeing 707, the Spanish Air Force has tested at least one prototype intended as a replacement. This prototype, a Gulfstream G500 SEMA equipped with electronic surveillance technology, proved unsatisfactory and was discarded as a substitute for the B-707. Israel, a country that collaborated with Spain in the Boeing 707's service entry, possesses two similar aircraft modified by Israel Aerospace Industries.

Following these developments, INTEL SIGINT missions continued using a C-212 Aviocar and a Falcon 20 for electronic warfare, albeit with significantly reduced capabilities compared to the Boeing 707. However, these aircraft have also been retired.

Budgetary constraints have hindered the acquisition of a new SIGINT platform since then, exacerbated by strong public spending restrictions imposed by the European Union on Spain since 2012.

Given the critical nature of such missions for gaining an advantage in potential conflicts, Spain's neighbor, Morocco, has planned the acquisition of four G550 AEW aircraft for surveillance, warfare, and electronic intelligence missions. These aircraft will be equipped in Israel by IAI and are already in service in Australia, Israel, Italy, and Singapore.

Moreover, Spain recently retired its last operational Lockheed P-3M Orion maritime patrol aircraft in December 2022, leaving a gap in the Spanish Air Force's capability for maritime patrols and long-range search and rescue (SAR) missions.

To address this gap, Airbus will supply 16 C295W aircraft. Six of these will serve in maritime patrol (MPA) roles, while the remaining 10 will conduct maritime surveillance (MSA) missions. These aircraft will feature the latest Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) and mission-specific systems enabling anti-submarine warfare operations. Additionally, it appears these aircraft will be equipped with a magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) system.

United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan Ink GCAP Development Deal

In response to escalating geopolitical threats posed by China, Russia, and North Korea, the defense ministers of Japan, Britain, and Italy have solidified their commitment to a groundbreaking joint initiative known as the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in fostering collective defense capabilities and fortifying security measures among the three nations.

The GCAP is a collaborative endeavor that entails the amalgamation of key aerospace and defense entities, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from Japan, BAE Systems PLC from Britain, and Leonardo from Italy. United under the umbrella of the GCAP International Government Organization, headquartered in Britain, this consortium is tasked with orchestrating a unified approach to develop an advanced fighter jet of unparalleled capability. The organization's structure, overseen by a rotation of leadership between the participating nations, ensures equitable governance, with Japanese officials directing the organization and Italian representatives spearheading the joint venture. This cooperative framework underscores the commitment to shared objectives, including the development of cutting-edge technology and the allocation of responsibilities across critical aspects such as propulsion systems, avionics, and integrated weapon systems.

Nevertheless, the success of this ambitious venture hinges upon Japan revising its postwar ban on the export of jointly developed lethal weapons to third countries. Discussions within Japan to facilitate policy adjustments are underway, seeking authorization for the potential export of the jointly developed fighter jet to international partners. The timely resolution of this policy impediment is crucial for the seamless progression of the project.

The collaborative effort is a culmination of previously independent initiatives—the UK's Tempest and Japan's Mitsubishi F-X—converging to conceive a next-generation combat aircraft slated for operational deployment by 2035. Beyond bolstering regional defense capabilities, the program aims to counterbalance China's increasingly assertive posture in the Indo-Pacific region, serving as a testament to the commitment to regional stability and security.

The Tempest project, christened as such in the UK, signifies a leap forward in aerospace technology, boasting revolutionary features. These encompass a sophisticated radar system with significantly enhanced data capabilities compared to existing systems. Additionally, the cockpit design integrates cutting-edge virtual reality elements to empower pilots with enhanced situational awareness and decision-making capabilities. Furthermore, an AI-powered weapons system is envisioned to optimize the aircraft's combat effectiveness, heralding a new era of advanced aerial warfare capabilities.

The signing of the treaty in Tokyo reaffirms the unwavering dedication of Italy, Japan, and the UK to jointly engineer a sophisticated, interoperable, and adaptable fighter jet. Guido Crosetto, the Italian Defense Minister, underscored the program's paramount importance in confronting global threats, highlighting the shared values and robust relations between the participating nations. This collaborative initiative seeks not only to address immediate security challenges but also to forge enduring defense partnerships and fortify global security in an increasingly complex and uncertain geopolitical landscape.

Middle East Conflict May Prompt Germany to Lift Ban on Sale of 48 Eurofighters to Saudi Arabia

According to 'Financial Times' 'Financial Times' the Israel-Hamas war has reignited a debate in Germany’s coalition government whether to lift its ban on the sale of 48 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

Germany has vetoed the export of the jets since 2018 for the role of Saudi Arabia in the war in Yemen and the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi. 

Typhoons are built by an UK, German, Italian and Spanish consortium and each country can veto exports of the planes to other nations. The UK, whith historic defence ties to Riyadh and has sold 72 jets to the kingdom, has been trying to secure a follow-on order for several years.

The dramatic change in the security situation in the Middle East, pressure from European allies and a change in perception about the role played by Saudi Arabia in ensuring regional stability, has begun to tilt the balance of thinking in Berlin, according to people familiar with the discussions at four different ministries in the German capital, however no final decision has been taken. 

At the behest of the German Green party, the ban on weapons sales to Saudi Arabia is a part of the coalition agreement that underpins the government of chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Greens remain staunchly opposed to lifting the ban.

A decision would have to be agreed by the German federal security council — a body on which the Greens hold two of seven seats. Its decision making rules are a state secret.  

The debate is not new. More hawkish figures in Scholz’s cabinet have long pushed for the veto to be dropped. Until now the political calculus behind such a revision has been unfavourable. As recently as July, Scholz ruled out any possibility of Typhoon sales to Riyadh. 

But Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius, as well as Scholz are increasingly supportive of a change in policy over military sales to Saudi Arabia. So are ministers from the liberal Free Democrats, the third coalition party. They all want to seize the opportunity presented by the Middle East conflict to reopen the discussion on the ban.

Berlin’s change of tack could prove diplomatically awkward: Turkey, a Nato ally, has also asked to buy 40 Typhoons, and Germany has refused. Making the case that Riyadh is a more sound regional partner than Ankara and deserving of a big arms deal risks aggravating tense relations with Turkey.

In a sign of the mounting external pressure on Berlin, Britain this month resubmitted an earlier offer to sell 48 new Typhoon aircraft to Saudi, three people familiar with the situation confirmed. 

The offer includes support and training by the UK and BAE Systems over the lifespan of the jets. A promise to eventually manufacture the aircraft in the kingdom is also included, the people said. 

For Britain, resolving the impasse over the potential sale of jets has become an urgent priority. British sources briefed on the situation said that the UK was taking seriously the idea that Saudi Arabia — which is looking to replace is ageing Tornado fleet — might pursue a rival offer from Dassault to offer its Rafale jets, or even another option. “It’s a competitive bid process,” said one UK official. 

Rishi Sunak, the UK prime minister, raised the issue with Scholz during the summer, extracting a commitment to explore a way forward, according to two people. 

Other members of the Eurofighter consortium, notably Airbus, have in recent weeks raised alarm about the German stance. 

Guillaume Faury, chief executive of the pan-European aerospace and defence group, said this month that Berlin’s stance was not only “damaging for the Eurofighter but also damaging for the reputation of Germany as an export country to its partners”.

A UK government spokesperson said they were working closely with the German government: “Last year, we welcomed Germany’s decision to extend export licences for parts for Saudi Arabia’s existing Eurofighter aircraft for three years. The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to our strategic defence relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Japan, UK, Italy to agree on next-generation F-X fighter development

The authorities of Japan will soon reach an agreement with the United Kingdom and Italy on the development of a successor for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF)’s F-2 fighter.

A formal agreement is expected in December 2022, as reported by the local daily newspaper Asahi. The arrangement will include provisions for the export of the future fighter jet.
Japan’s next-generation fighter jet will replace the Mitsubishi F-2, a Japanese version of the F-16, currently operated by the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force. It should be a twin-engine stealth fighter which will include the research done on the experimental X-2 Shinshin, a canceled fifth-generation fighter jet program. In November 2020, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) was awarded the leadership of the F-X program. 

British aerospace manufacturer BAE Systems will help Mitsubishi Heavy Industries develop the F-X fighter, while Rolls-Royce will assist IHI Corporation with developing the XF9 engine for the aircraft. According to Asahi, Avio Aero from Italy will also be involved in the development of the engine.

The F-X fighter is set to be operational by 2035, when the F-2 will begin to be phased out.

aerotime 

6 new KC-46s for the Italian Air Force

The Italian Air Force has decided to start negotiating with Boeing to purchase 6 new Boeing KC-46A (called KC-767B in Italy) to replace the current 4 KC-767A.

The aircraft currently on the line will be exchanged to Boeing.

The Ministry of Defence’s choice was made in order to rationalise the flight line as there was an initial requirement for 2 additional tankers to those currently in service.

The cost of the contract is about $1.3 billion, including support from Boeing for 5 years.

itamilradar 

Germany, France, Italy and Spain stamp deal for 60 Euromale RPAS

Airbus and the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) have signed the Eurodrone global contract, which includes the development and manufacturing of 20 systems and 5 years of initial in-service support. Industry prime Airbus Defence and Space GmbH signed in representation of the three Major Sub-Contractors (MSC) Airbus Defence and Space S.A.U in Spain, Dassault Aviation in France and Leonardo S.p.A. in Italy, while OCCAR has signed on behalf of the four launch nations Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Eurodrone is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). 

airbus

 

Austria signs deal for 18 AW169 helicopters

Italy and Austria have entered into an agreement for the sale and procurement of 18 Leonardo AW169 multirole helicopters for the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer). 

Signed on 2 December at the Italian Ministry of Defence in Rome, the implementation phase of the agreement paves the way for a formal contractual agreement by 20 December and acquisition signature in mid-January 2022. 

Austria has earmarked between EUR300 million (USD340 million) and EUR400 million for the programme. 

 According to ARMAERO, the contract will cover six helicopters in the AW169B configuration, as well as up to 12 potentially armed AW169MA helicopters. Spares, training, support, and other items will be included in the sale. 

janes

ITALY TO BUY 6 P-180 INSTEAD HAMMERHEAD UAV FROM PIAGGIO

Italy announced it will purchase six new Piaggio Aerospace aircraft to help relaunch the Italian firm, and indicated the government is dropping long-held plans to buy drones from the company, ending the ill-fated story of the Hammerhead UAV. 

The Italian Defence Ministry said it would spend €171 million (U.S. $198 million) to buy six P.180 Avanti Evo turboprop plane as well as a flight simulator and engine maintenance work. 

The aircraft, which add to the ministry’s existing fleet of P.180s, will likely be used for transport, reconnaissance and special missions. defensenews

Italian Fincantieri Wins $795M Contract for US Navy FFG(X) Frigate Program, beating Spanish Navantia F-110

The Navy awarded a $795-million contract to Fincantieri to begin building a new class of guided-missile frigates, in the first new major shipbuilding program the service has started in more than a decade, the Navy announced today.
Fincantieri beat out what was originally four other competitors, who were asked by the Navy to take a mature parent design and evolve it to meet the Navy’s needs for potential high-end warfare. Fincantieri, which will build its frigate at its Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin, based its FFG(X) design on the FREMM multi-mission frigate already operated by the French and Italian navies.
Source says that Spain didn't win contract with the Navy because of the current Spanish Social Communist government and the withdrawal of F-104 'Mendez Nuñez' from U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group, last May 2019, amid tensions with Iran.
usni

Turkish defense ministry sends COVID-19 supplies to Italy and Spain

Turkey on Wednesday sent health supplies including masks to Italy and Spain, the two European countries worst hit by the novel coronavirus, the defense ministry said.
“Health supplies prepared to fight COVID-19 together, and with the hopes of seeing brighter days were sent en route to Spain and Italy” by a military plane, the ministry tweeted in English.
An accompanying video clip showed a Turkish military A-400M cargo plane preparing to take off.
The defense ministry posted the same message in Turkish, Spanish and Italian.
The supplies including masks, overalls and anti-bacterial fluids, produced in the defense ministry’s factories and sewing facilities.
Local resources were being sent “on the instructions of President” Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said the ministry statement.
The coronavirus pandemic has killed over 30,000 people in Europe, more than three-quarters of the deaths registered in Italy and Spain
thedefensepost

Azerbaijan to buy M-346 Master jet

Azerbaijan is to buy an undisclosed number of Leonardo M-346 Master trainer and light attack aircraft, the country's president announced on 20 February.
Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and Leonardo Executive Director Alessandro Profumo exchanged a 'declaration by agreement' between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Leonardo for the acquisition of "an integration system for M-346 aircraft", the website for the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, announced.
No details pertaining to a contract value or delivery timelines were disclosed.
janes

Egypt reportedly orders AW149 helicopters instead of NH90

Egypt is believed to have ordered AW149 helicopters to use aboard its naval vessels, choosing the Leonardo Helicopters product over the competing NH90.
According to France’s La Tribune, Egypt informed France last week that it had chosen the AW149, with the order believed to cover around 20 helicopters. Leonardo has neither confirmed nor denied the contract.
France was hoping to sell the NH90 to Egypt after a string of sales that has included 24 Rafale fighter jets, two Mistral class landing helicopter docks (LHDs) and four Gowind class corvettes since 2014.
Egypt was looking at acquiring 20-30 NH90 for use aboard its naval vessels but it will also fly the AW149 on land-based troop transport and search and rescue missions.
defenceweb

Poland signs contract for four AW101s for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Missions

Leonardo announced today that it has signed a contract valued at approximately 380 mln EUR (1.65 bn PLN) that will significantly enhance the Polish Navy’s helicopter capability. Through its fully owned Polish company and main industrial presence in the country, PZL-Świdnik, Leonardo will supply four AW101s and a comprehensive integrated logistics and training package to the Polish Ministry of National Defence (MoD).
PZL-Świdnik, acting as the prime contractor and responsible for the entire contract execution.
leonardocompany