Tom Kington

Tom Kington is the Italy correspondent for Defense News.

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The Bell V-280 Valor is seen in a video playing above the Bell booth at the 2023 Association of the U.S. Army convention in Washington, D.C.

Bell, Leonardo to partner on tiltrotor helicopters

The agreement follows a long partnership between the firms on the BA609 tiltrotor program, which ended in 2011.

3 days ago

Italian parliament OKs frigate, Leopard tank deals

The new buys, approved Feb. 21, are part of a uptick in Italian military spending partly spurred by the Ukraine conflict.

9 days ago

Too little, too late? Ukraine’s backers lose ground in the ammo race

Russia's advantage in artillery ammunitions is unlikely to spur more frontline gains, but it will give Moscow some breathing space, one analyst said.

Fincantieri teams with Edge to sell to non-NATO countries

The venture will aim to take advantage of the UAE’s relations with other states and the export credit financing it offers.

Leonardo eyes an Italian gun for Rome’s new Leopard 2 tanks

An agreement with manufacturer KNDS envisions significant "Italianisation" of the latest-generation main battle tank, according to a Leonardo executive.

EU regulators must let defense firms merge freely, Leonardo boss urges

Interference from Brussels will keep the continent's industry "marginal" in the face of global competition, said Roberto Cingolani.

What military advantage could Russia get out of Libya?

Following the death of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, Moscow is now bringing the mercenaries under its control and rebranding them as the Africa Corps.

American Rheinmetall unveiled a 30mm cannon aboard a robotic combat vehicle — pictured here — during the 2023 Association of the U.S. Army convention in Washington, D.C.

Rheinmetall Italia touts Ukraine deployment of Skynex air defense gun

The company hopes that the system's use in combat will lend it credibility in the competitive counter-drone and missile-defense market.

Italy tees up $5 billion-plus program to build 1,000 combat vehicles

Officials in Rome envision a pan-European industry push for the army's Dardo vehicle replacement, prompting companies to jockey for position early.

RTX threatens legal action against Italy over Microtecnica sale

Microtecnica is an Italian company that makes components for the Eurofighter jet built by Italy, Germany, the U.K. and Spain.

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