AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE,
Rome: The Italian defense minister said Monday he was enthusiastic about the new Eurofighter jet which is slated to replace the Italian air force's stock of American F-16s. “The plane flies with one finger,” said Antonio Martino, after co-piloting the Eurofighter for 45 minutes above the Tuscan countryside.
“I took the commands myself and I can tell you that this plane is like a drug. I didn't want to come down,” said Martino.
The Italian air force already has nine Eurofighters and will acquire three more by the end of the year.
The fighter jet, built by a European consortium made up of Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, will ensure the security of Rome's air space by the end of the year.
Italy plans to acquire 121 Eurofighters in the next five years, eventually replacing all of its American-made F-16s.
