(May 10) – A step forward to a strategic expansion in international markets, as stated by Giuseppe Orsi, Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica. In fact, the Italian group was selected by the Australian Government to supply 10 newly built Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan. The total value of the contract, which also includes logistic support and training, is around EUR 800 million (AUSD 1.4 billion). First aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2015. “This achievement represents a milestone in Finmeccanica’s strategic expansion in the high-potential international markets like Australia and confirms the value of a successful program such as the C-27J”, Giuseppe Orsi, Finmeccanica’s Chairman and CEO, said. “In addition to the contract award for NATO’s Cyber Security and the selection of the M-346 trainer by Israel – both of which occurred in the first months of 2012 – this announcement proves Finmeccanica’s capability to be a major hightechnology global player, thus reaching the top position of the most advanced ‘Made in Italy’ brand. The investment in technology is for Italy the best way to ensure its sustainable development, thus maintaining and developing the Country’s industrial capabilities, rendering them even more competitive in the international markets”. The acquisition of the aircraft will be conducted through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) arrangement with the United States and the contract will be awarded to the partnership between L-3 (as prime contractor) and Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company. The contract will also include associated support equipment, several years of initial logistic support, training for aircrew and maintenance personnel and additional capability to ensure that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) can operate, maintain and modify the aircraft throughout its planned life. (Red)
