The Italian air force has officially taken delivery of the first of 15 Panavia Tornado ECRs. The aircraft, assigned to the 155 Groupo of the 50th Wing in Piacenza San Damianmo in northern Italy, will undertake suppression of enemy air defences and electronic reconnaissance. Deliveries of the aircraft will be complete by mid-2000. Alenia is leading the programme to convert existing Tornado IDS airframes.
Source: Flight International
Germany has awarded Qinetiq an Aerial Training Services contract to support its armed forces by operating a fleet of two turboprop-powered types.
Stockholm’s selection of a new-generation tactical airlifter will be a “political decision”, says Swedish air force chief Major General Jonas Wikman.
The January incident at Ellsworth AFB resulted in the destruction of the $450 million bomber and a rare quadruple ejection of the crew, who were attempting to execute an instrument landing during poor weather.
