says Rome, Feb 1, SPA -- Italy intends to send better-armored helicopters to Iraq, the defense minister said, 10 days after an Italian soldier was killed during a helicopter patrol. Speaking on a television talk show late Monday, DefenseMinister Antonio Martino said a request from Italy'sGeneral Staff for armored Mangusta helicopters for use inIraq was "in line with what we intend to do." Italy has around 3,000 troops stationed in Iraq, thecoalition's third largest contingent after those of theUnited States and Britain. --SPA1329 Local Time 1029 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/236042