There is an interesting article on the major italian economic newspaper, "Il Sole 24 ore".
In an interview with General Giuseppe Bernardis, Italian Air Force Chief of Staff, the major
programs of the Air Force are discussed.
General Bernardis claims that the Efa (EF-2000 Typhoon) might be a problem, because the original
requirement of the AMI was for 121 aircraft and so far only 96 have been ordered.
These are sufficient for the current and prospected needs of the Air Force and a solution for the cancellation
of the remainder must be sought.
Apparently the Air Force sees the Typhoon only as an Air Defence platform and does not wish
to replace the Tornado with it, like the German Luftwaffe is starting to do.
He also said that the Air Force is highly satisfied with the capability of the machine.
General Bernardis went on saying that the Air Force is committed to the F-35, to replace the AMX
and Tornados.
Together with the examples of the Naval Aviation, he confirmed the total of 131 machines (without
mentioning the split between A and B versions) to be built in Cameri, Norther Italy.
The Italian Industry will also provide around 1200 sets of wings to Lockheed but the deal is not set in stone,
as Lockheen follows the "best deal" politics and partners might be changed according to better economical
offers.
The JSF contract is deemed important for the industry, because it will allow the prosecution on high tech
work after the EF-2000, since at the moment there are no other combat platform in development in Europe
(in which Italy is involved).
Further on in the interview, other assets of the Air Force are mentioned.
General Bernardis said that he does not exclude in the future the possibility to get some A400m
At the moment the Aeronautica Militare makes large use of its C-130J but has to lease capacity with
external partners (Private AN-124 or USAF C-17), so a future purchase of bigger transport planes is not excluded.
The Air Force needs to replace the HH-3F Combat SAR helicopters and the AW-101 has been chosen for the
role in order to harmonize the fleet with the Navy, which already employs the type.
Same consideration, with the Army, for the replacement of the AB-212, used for liasion and SAR duties.
The AW-139 seems to be the favourite, the choice will be done by the Army though, for the replacement of its AB-212 and AB-412.
Because of lack of funding, about half of the current 60 helicopters for the Air Force will be bought.
Overall, the General said, funds are enough for the purchase of the machines but insufficient for the operation of them.
In particular flight hours are around 80-90 thousad a year, mainly on trasport planes, as opposed to 120 thousand in the past.
No mention of other assets, like UAV/UCAV, though the Air Force has been using the MQ-1Predator for some time and has recently
ordered the bigger MQ-9 Reaper. No mentioning either of the highly controversial tanker, the B767TT, which still has to enter service.
Nor any word on an AEW platform, or an EW one, after the retirement, some years ago of the PD-808GE
Posts: 40
By: steman - 8th February 2010 at 10:03
There is an interesting article on the major italian economic newspaper, "Il Sole 24 ore".
In an interview with General Giuseppe Bernardis, Italian Air Force Chief of Staff, the major
programs of the Air Force are discussed.
General Bernardis claims that the Efa (EF-2000 Typhoon) might be a problem, because the original
requirement of the AMI was for 121 aircraft and so far only 96 have been ordered.
These are sufficient for the current and prospected needs of the Air Force and a solution for the cancellation
of the remainder must be sought.
Apparently the Air Force sees the Typhoon only as an Air Defence platform and does not wish
to replace the Tornado with it, like the German Luftwaffe is starting to do.
He also said that the Air Force is highly satisfied with the capability of the machine.
General Bernardis went on saying that the Air Force is committed to the F-35, to replace the AMX
and Tornados.
Together with the examples of the Naval Aviation, he confirmed the total of 131 machines (without
mentioning the split between A and B versions) to be built in Cameri, Norther Italy.
The Italian Industry will also provide around 1200 sets of wings to Lockheed but the deal is not set in stone,
as Lockheen follows the "best deal" politics and partners might be changed according to better economical
offers.
The JSF contract is deemed important for the industry, because it will allow the prosecution on high tech
work after the EF-2000, since at the moment there are no other combat platform in development in Europe
(in which Italy is involved).
Further on in the interview, other assets of the Air Force are mentioned.
General Bernardis said that he does not exclude in the future the possibility to get some A400m
At the moment the Aeronautica Militare makes large use of its C-130J but has to lease capacity with
external partners (Private AN-124 or USAF C-17), so a future purchase of bigger transport planes is not excluded.
The Air Force needs to replace the HH-3F Combat SAR helicopters and the AW-101 has been chosen for the
role in order to harmonize the fleet with the Navy, which already employs the type.
Same consideration, with the Army, for the replacement of the AB-212, used for liasion and SAR duties.
The AW-139 seems to be the favourite, the choice will be done by the Army though, for the replacement of its AB-212 and AB-412.
Because of lack of funding, about half of the current 60 helicopters for the Air Force will be bought.
Overall, the General said, funds are enough for the purchase of the machines but insufficient for the operation of them.
In particular flight hours are around 80-90 thousad a year, mainly on trasport planes, as opposed to 120 thousand in the past.
No mention of other assets, like UAV/UCAV, though the Air Force has been using the MQ-1Predator for some time and has recently
ordered the bigger MQ-9 Reaper. No mentioning either of the highly controversial tanker, the B767TT, which still has to enter service.
Nor any word on an AEW platform, or an EW one, after the retirement, some years ago of the PD-808GE
The source is, of course, in italian.
http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Economia%20e%20Lavoro/2010/02/aeronautica-caccia-F35.shtml