IRIA News

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Italy has unveiled its plans to purchase 25 additional F-35 jets and invest heavily in other military programs. A recently revealed budget document shows that the country’s defense procurement spending has increased by 16.8% this year, reaching $10.3 billion. The expanded budget also includes significant investments in next-generation fighter jets and new Eurofighters.

The Italian government has committed to spending $7 billion on acquiring 25 more F-35 fighter jets. This addition will boost Italy’s F-35 fleet from 90 aircraft to 115. The new jets include 15 F-35As for the Italian Air Force and 10 F-35Bs, which will be split between the Air Force and the Italian Navy.

This move aligns with Italy’s initial goal, set back in 2009, to purchase 131 F-35s. However, in recent years, the number was scaled back to 90. The recent order suggests that Italy is returning to its earlier ambitions.

According to the document, the total requirement is still 131 jets, with the increase to 115 aimed at improving Italy’s geopolitical standing. “The increase will improve Italy’s geopolitical position,” the budget document stated.

A key component of Italy’s defense spending involves modernizing its Eurofighter fleet. The budget includes $742 million to purchase 24 fourth-tranche Eurofighters, which will replace 26 older first-tranche models. The older jets are expected to be phased out by 2029, ensuring that Italy’s Air Force remains equipped with modern technology for years to come.

In addition to acquiring more jets, Italy is setting aside $54 million to adapt the newly commissioned Landing Helicopter Dock Trieste to host F-35Bs, which can take off and land vertically. This investment will ensure the Italian Navy can deploy F-35s effectively from the Trieste and the carrier Cavour.

Increased defense spending

Italy’s overall defense spending has been on a steady upward trajectory. The total defense ministry budget for 2024 is $22.6 billion, a significant rise from the $21.2 billion spent in 2023 and the $19.5 billion allocated in 2022. The procurement portion of this budget is $8.1 billion, representing a 23% increase from the $6.5 billion spent in 2023.

To gain a complete picture of Italy’s defense spending, it’s important to consider additional funding from the Italian industry ministry. This year, $1.9 billion has been set aside for domestic procurement, bringing the total procurement budget to $10.3 billion. This is part of a broader trend that has seen Italy’s procurement spending rise from $5.8 billion in 2020 to its current level.

A noteworthy addition to the budget is the purchase of 15 new M-346 trainer jets, developed by Italian defense company Leonardo. These jets will be used by the Italian Air Force’s famed acrobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori. The new M-346s will replace the aging M-339 jets, which have been in service for decades.

The first of these jets is expected to enter service next year, allowing the Frecce Tricolori to continue thrilling audiences worldwide while maintaining operational readiness.

The budget document also outlines future defense investments that have not yet been funded. Among these is a $603 million program to acquire new maritime patrol aircraft, which the Italian Navy and Air Force will jointly operate. This project reflects Italy’s commitment to maintaining a strong and versatile military presence, both in the air and at sea.

Global Combat Air Program

Italy’s defense budget also includes a $506 million investment in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) for 2024. The GCAP is a joint development effort involving Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan to create a sixth-generation fighter jet.

This figure marks a significant increase from the $290 million Italy spent on the program in 2023. Earlier concerns about the U.K.’s continued involvement in GCAP were put to rest during a visit to Rome by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In a joint statement, Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the importance of collaboration in defense.

“We agreed on the vital importance of our collaborative defense programs, including GCAP,” Starmer said. “We welcome the continued progress we are making.”