The Italian parliament has backed the country’s involvement in the Global Combat Air Program with Japan and the UK, keeping the program on track to move into its next phase.
Not only are supply chain issues affecting offshore helicopter operations failing to improve, they are now spreading to other helicopter manufacturers, the energy industry’s trade body warns.
Roberto Cingolani wants his company to play a greater role in the global aerostructures business and shape the development of new-generation combat aircraft.
In addition to work on the Global Combat Air Program, a Boeing 757 flight-test aircraft, called Excalibur, is being adapted to trial new technology elements.
Despite the upcoming UK defense review, Global Combat Air Program industrial partners have been encouraged by ministerial interest in the project at Farnborough.