For me, one of the slightly more interesting bits about the Agusta Westland press release is this
The contract was signed by ..... Geoff Hoon, Managing Director International Business, AgustaWestland,
Now, I could have sworn that there was a Labour Secretary of State for Defence called Geoff Hoon. If I remember correctly, he was rather suddenly reshuffled to Transport, and was subsequently dropped from all frontline politics after the 2010 Cash for Influence scandal. Or perhaps that was someone called Buff Hoon?
So, whoever it was, it seems that that famous revolving door is still merrily going round - especially when you remember that when that Hoon was Def Sec, AW was awarded a £1.7billion contract as preferred bidder to supply Future Lynx. I don't remember any other firm being invited to bid.
Funny old world.
airsound (who apologises for thread drift)