Based in London, Tony covers European defense programs. Prior to joining Aviation Week in November 2012, Tony was at Shephard Media Group where he was deputy editor for Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter magazines. Tony has covered avionics, unmanned vehicles, the supply chain and cyberwarfare.
Taqnia, the Saudi company partnered with Antonov to develop the An-132D airlifter, plans to begin building the aircraft in-country from 2020. The aircraft’s first flight took place from Antonov’s Gostomel facility near Kiev on March 31.
With the delivery by Leonardo of the 500th Eurofighter to the Italian air force, production of the multinational combat aircraft is entering its twilight years. Work is now underway to further slow production rates in a bid to be ready for potential future customers.