The Defense General Staff considered it appropriate to correct the draft of an article reported by La Stampa signed by Francesco Grignetti, entitled "Major States against Defense", according to which there would be a contrast between the Armed Forces and the government on the revision of the program F-35.
The Defense Staff underlines that what has been reported is devoid of any foundation. As reported by the press release, there is in fact no divergence and, moreover, with regard to this as well as to the other programs, any action can only be taken after the parliamentary procedure and the government decision. The Defense Staff, reiterating its full appreciation of the leadership undertaken by Minister Elisabetta Trenta, recalls that the armed forces are a technical tool at the service of the country, from planning to implementation of investment programs, from planning to conduct of military operations, all always following political decisions. Any declaration that may appear to be in contrast is exploited, not absolutely in line with the position of the General Staff and, therefore, does not reflect the intentions and the institutionality of the entire Defense sector which moves in full harmony with political will.
The cost-benefit analysis that Minister Trenta had commissioned on the F35 is now complete. Now the ball passes to Giuseppe Conte who has decided to tackle the problem directly with President Trump. The results of the umpteenth cost-benefit analysis and above all who packaged it are not known. Carrying out a cost-benefit analysis on a "dual" military program, designed to guarantee defense and national security, is yet another proof that to do politics and above all "Governing" a country serves preparation and study.A principle evoked by the President of the Republic at the Quirinale during a meeting with secondary school students. It is recalled that the President of the Republic is also Head of the Armed Forces
Of the reduction of the program the Air Force does not want to hear about it. The general Alberto Rosso yesterday he explained to the defense committees of the House and Senate that he had "strong concern»For the future of the program and its own organization. "The F35 is the only viable solution. The alternative would certainly be older, outdated and more expensive means».
On the same wavelength, a few days ago, also the Supreme Defense Council- highest body of the central administration of the State, which has the task of establishing the general criteria for the organization and coordination of the forces intended for the military defense of the State: "The criticalities and uncertainties of the international scenario, as stated in the final communiqué, require the availability of a modern, effective military instrument fully integrated into the European and transatlantic dimension".
The reactions of the oppositions
So the senator Tatjana Rojc, in PD share: "Embarrassing ambiguity held by the government on the millions of arrears. It is another blow to the credibility of national foreign policy". Salvatore Deidda, Wanda Ferro and Isabella Rauti,of Fratelli d'Italia: "The government's uncertainty about the F35 program, the possible loss of important jobs, the continuous cuts to the defense budget, are issues that require the Italian government to seriously reflect".