Alenia Aeronautica president Giorgio Zappa says the Italian defence budget cuts mean a €100 million ($98 million) shortfall in the 2003 Italian Eurofighter funding. Italy should receive 29 of the first batch of 148 Eurofighters. To meet its 2003 commitments to the programme will cost Rome €100 million more than the €564.6 million contained in the budget proposal. Zappa says failing to meet its financial commitments to international agreements will have a negative impact on the programme's multi-year schedule and reduce confidence in Italy.
Source: Flight International