From Defense-Aerospace :
Letter to Parliament (excerpt)
(Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence; issued Oct. 7, 2008)
(Issued in Dutch only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)
As a result of the general consultation of 1 October last, I am informing you of the decision by Italy concerning its participation to the Initial Operational Test And Evaluation (IOT& E) of the JSF. (…/…)
Recently the Italian project director has informed the Dutch, American and British partners that Italy will abandon its participation to the IOT& E and, with that, also of the purchase of the first test aircraft this year.
As a reason, the new [Italian] government has invoked the need to reduce expenditure.
The Italian decision has no financial consequences for the Netherlands.
Moreover, the Italian government has reaffirmed its explicit support for the JSF program, and has confirmed the Italian participation to the System Development & Demonstration (SDD) phase.
(Signed)
Dr. Jack (J.G.) de Vries
State Secretary for Defence
(Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence; issued Oct. 7, 2008)
(Issued in Dutch only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)
As a result of the general consultation of 1 October last, I am informing you of the decision by Italy concerning its participation to the Initial Operational Test And Evaluation (IOT& E) of the JSF. (…/…)
Recently the Italian project director has informed the Dutch, American and British partners that Italy will abandon its participation to the IOT& E and, with that, also of the purchase of the first test aircraft this year.
As a reason, the new [Italian] government has invoked the need to reduce expenditure.
The Italian decision has no financial consequences for the Netherlands.
Moreover, the Italian government has reaffirmed its explicit support for the JSF program, and has confirmed the Italian participation to the System Development & Demonstration (SDD) phase.
(Signed)
Dr. Jack (J.G.) de Vries
State Secretary for Defence
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