Italy widely expected to scale back F-35 orders

Reuters ^ | 2/10/2012 | Reuters

[U-238]

Italy seems certain to scale back its major investment in Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, heightening uncertainty over the troubled stealth jet's future.

Defence Minister Giampaolo Di Paola has said repeatedly since January that the country's originally planned order of the 131 supersonic warplanes by 2018 was being "reviewed" because military spending cuts were necessary as part of Prime Minister Mario Monti's austerity plan to shore up public accounts.

General Claudio Debertolis, secretary general of the Defence Ministry and the country's armaments chief, confirmed to lawmakers on Tuesday that cuts were expected.

"There will be a revision of this Joint Strike Fighter programme to align it with disposable resources," he said.

Italy will ask for about 30 fewer planes, Corriere della Sera daily reported on Friday, without citing its source. Panorama magazine gave the same number on Jan. 18.

Government sources and lawmakers told Reuters that it was premature to say how many of the F-35 fighters Italy will order because of uncertainty over the version of the aircraft designed for short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL).

This version is supposed to replace ageing Harrier jets on Italy's new hi-tech Cavour aircraft carrier.

On Tuesday Monti's Cabinet will examine the Defence Ministry's new spending plan that includes reducing F-35 outlays and personnel cuts, according to a government source. The minister will then detail the package to parliament on Wednesday.

The Pentagon's F-35 program office declined comment on Italy's plans, saying all of the partner countries would meet in Australia in March to discuss their production plans.

[NVDave]

Nearly all of the “allied” nation orders for the F-35 will be reduced. There’s no way that any nation can afford the pricetag on this platform, and the financial crisis is making “austerity” the future plan for most all nations.

[U-238]

Many of the nations have backed off on their original order. The South Koreans backed off on a order because it not meet to “their specifications”. As a backup their should be a offer for the F-15K.

[Vroomfondel]

ping

[U-238]

I would have include an offer to the South Koreans an offerfor the F-15 “Silent Eagle” with the F-15K offer.Maybe re-starting the F-22 line.

[Thrownatbirth]

One problem with the F-35B (STOVL) is that the high exhaust temperatures destroy conventional airfield pavements. Sections of an airfield have to be replaced with special pads - a big added MILCON expense.

[U-238]

The two biggest problems with the F-35 C was the F-35′s tailhook is not adequately spaced far enough back from the main gear and the hook is much to short in length overall.The other problem was the high temperature exhaust melting the carrier flat top.

[RedMDer]

We have an election coming and FR must be up and running and healthy if we are going to make a difference. All contributions are for the Current Quarter Expenses. In other words, FR could go away if the expenses for this quarter are not met. Where would you go? Click here or mail checks to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794

We have an election coming and FR must be up and running and healthy if we are going to make a difference. All contributions are for the Current Quarter Expenses. In other words, FR could go away if the expenses for this quarter are not met. Where would you go? Click here or mail checks to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794

[oldplayer]

Libs, so-called “Progressives” and Reuters all love it when something bad is available to report about this aircraft.
they want to see it stopped in its tracks and the money squandered on midnight basketball in the inner-city. Military parity between us and Cuba or us and Venezuela is just fine with them. too.

It is far from perfect, in no small part because of Congressional meddling. However, we need it. We need to get it operational as soon as possible and then refine it on the go.

This aircraft must be successful if we are to maintain any semblance of the 100% air-superiority that our politicos at the Pentagon have gotten so used to. That unchallenged air superiority is now the linch pin of every war plan we have. This includes even those plans with wide use of drones (or “remotely piloted aircraft”).

Oldplayer

[U-238]

Its a great airplane but the costs are too high. I like this plane because it can carry PAC-3 interceptors

[U-238]

Actuually, it has the NCADE system.The Network Centric Airborne Defense Element (NCADE) weapon system consists of netted launch aircraft, fire control, cueing and targeting sensors, and interceptors. The interceptors can be launched from manned or unmanned aircraft to provide a quick response to changing battle situations and mobile tactical ballistic missile launchers.

[magslinger]

SONOBUOY PING!

Click on pic for past Navair pings. Post or FReepmail me if you wish to be enlisted in or discharged from the Navair Pinglist. The only requirement for inclusion in the Navair Pinglist is an interest in Naval Aviation. This is a medium to low volume pinglist.

[lentulusgracchus]

Nearly all of the “allied” nation orders for the F-35 will be reduced. There’s no way that any nation can afford the pricetag on this platform, and the financial crisis is making “austerity” the future plan for most all nations.

If Barky works this right, most of them will be flying MiG-29's and Su-33's.

[A.A. Cunningham]

The results from the initial sea trials aboard Wasp last October in addition to the results from over two years of tests at PAX River refute your parroting of urban legends.

[Thrownatbirth]

I’m not sure whether to wear my NAVFAC or ONR hat to refute you.