Italy and the F-35

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program was on the agenda today when Defense Secretary Leon Panetta met with Italian Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola at the Pentagon to discuss mutual defense interests.

“Secretary Panetta reiterated the United States commitment to developing the Joint Strike Fighter and the technology advancements both nations will receive as a result of fielding this 5th generation fighter,” Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement. Panetta also noted the F-35C short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing variant recently came off probation “after catching up to the other variants' testing milestones,” Little said.

Also on the agenda of today’s session was the upcoming NATO Summit, Afghanistan and the Arab spring, Little said, adding that Panetta “reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Italian bilateral defense relationship and lauded Italy as a trusted partner and ally.” Panetta thanked Italy for its contributions to the NATO mission in Afghanistan, noting the causalities Italy has suffered to defeat al Qaeda and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists.