Italy has a strategic role in
regional defence and for that reason, it must go ahead with its
plan to purchase F-35 fighter jets, John R. Phillips, the United
States ambassador to Rome, said Monday.
"The F-35 are the aircraft of the future, the fighters
which will replace the existing (aircraft) over the next 15 to
20 years," Phillips said during an interview on public
broadcaster Rai.
The Italian government froze spending on the F-35 program
in March, and said that as a cost-cutting measure, it is
considering reducing the number of fighter jets it will
purchase.
The aircraft, at an estimated $200 million US per unit, are
among the costliest jet fighters in the world and are developed
jointly by a number of allied nations including Italy.
That would mark the second time Italy has reduced the
number of its Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, a budget item
which is currently worth about 11.8 billion euros over 45 years
beginning in 2015.
Italy in 2012 announced plans to cut its order to 90 from
the 131 jets originally agreed to in 2002, saving the country
some five billion euros.
Phillips said that it would be better to lengthen the
contract period rather than outright cut the purchase plan.
"We have agreements with the Italian Army, we may have to
slow down the acquisition, but I do not think there is interest
in reducing it," said Phillips.
"Italy plays a large role in the defense, it has a
strategic location and needs the ability to deal with
situations," he said, citing nearby Libya and Lebanon as
examples.
Because of those obligations, Italy cannot reduce the
number of new jets, said Phillips.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
