Defence, 2,500 military jets missing, investigation underway

Almost 2,500 pieces of military aircraft and jets have disappeared, including components of Tornado and Amx fighter-bombers and the C-130, the Air Force's tactical transport aircraft, with an estimated value of 17 million euro. This is, according to Repubblica, the focus of an investigation coordinated by the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office and the Military Prosecutor's Office, which allegedly involves top Air Force logistics executives, some generals, and Ge Avio executives. The crime hypothesis, for all of them, is embezzlement: the appropriation or misappropriation of public property entrusted for official reasons. A charge that, if confirmed, would open a deep wound at the top of the technical and administrative chain.

An investigative line of enquiry, still to be verified and covered by the utmost secrecy,' writes Repubblica, 'suggests a possible destination to South America, in particular Brazil, for the parts that disappeared in Italia. At the moment, this is just a scenario being examined by the investigators, who are cross-referencing documents, loading and unloading registers, technical certifications and chains of responsibility.

In a note, the Air Force clarifies that it has 'provided from the outset its full and immediate availability to the Civil and Military Judicial Authorities, with which it is actively collaborating, making available every documentary and informative element useful to clarify the facts under investigation. In addition, the Armed Force has appointed an internal technical investigation commission. The management of aeronautical materials and relative logistic procedures,' the note goes on to say, 'is carried out through strict technical-administrative and traceability protocols that comply with current national and international regulations. Any anomalies or dissimilar individual conduct, - if ascertained in the competent offices - and any personal liability will be treated with absolute firmness, also from a disciplinary and administrative point of view, in full respect of the law and the prerogatives of the Judicial Authority. The Air Force - concludes the document - will continue to follow developments in the affair closely, trusting in the rapid ascertainment of the facts in order to protect its honour and its personnel, who work daily with professionalism and a sense of the State in the service of the country".