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November 27, 2001

While Italy pulled out of the A400M air transport program, some factions in the government want to go ahead. Foreign Minister Ruggiero wants to proceed, paying $1.26 billion for 16 aircraft out of the Ministry of Industry. This would, Ruggiero insists, be necessary to show that Italy is committed to maintaining a European aviation industry. Defense Minister Martino, however, has blasted the A400M as "useless" as its operating characteristics don't match up with Italian mission requirements.Stephen V Cole