The head of Italian military authorities Elisabetta Trent, endorsed at its current position not so long ago (1 June), made resonant statement on the further cooperation with the United States in the military-technical sphere. According to the Minister of Defense of Italy, official Rome has decided to waive the F-35 for further cooperation with the United States on the program of the fifth generation fighter.
RA Defense of Italy noted, that based on the analysis Implemented Office decided to abandon further purchases of the F-35 in the US. It is reported by news agency Reuters.
For reference: Italy was planning to purchase for its Air Force 90 F-35 aircraft. At the moment, they bought 10.
Elisabetta Trent is the movement of "Five Stars", which originally stood for the withdrawal from the costly F-35 program. The political movement of note, billions of dollars, which the previous government had planned to actually send to the US treasury, you need to put on the development of its own economy with a view of a pragmatic approach to the issue of the country's defense.
The Minister of Defense of Italy:
We clearly understand, that our decision will result in fines. But I say exactly: we no longer will buy any of this aircraft.
In the US, the statement of the authorities of Italy at the moment have not commented.
