The Italian government wants to experience the benefits of COVID pandemic. European Union handed over some funds to cover COVID-damaged economy. The government wants to find a way to fund defence technology programs including the U.S. Future Vertical Lift ( FVL ) helicopter initiative.

The FVL program is currently being pursued by the United States only but is listed as a possible target for Italian investment in a document drawn up by Italy’s industry ministry according to Defence News.

The cash would come from the European Union’s 750-billion-euro Recovery Fund, conceived this year to help European member states relaunch their economies after the devastation caused by Covid-19 lockdowns.

Rome is due to receive the largest share, totalling just over 200 billion euros in grants and loans.

Italy’s government ministries have come up with hundreds of ideas for investing the money. The defence also features on the preliminary list. The defence funding, the document states, would “allow a technological leap in research, innovation and the construction of very high-performance dual-use platforms with a reduced environmental impact, total cybersecurity and digital innovation.”

Examples given are “sixth-generation aircraft”, a likely reference to Italy’s commitment to the UK Tempest program, “advanced submarine technology”, unmanned technology, artificial intelligence and ships.

The surprising item on the list is “FVL new generation helicopters.” Led by the US Army, the Future Vertical Lift program is split into different projects including a Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA), with Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky and Bell were chosen to build prototypes.