The Italian government has presented a new, ambitious defense program that includes the purchase of 25 additional Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets worth over $7 billion.
This measure is part of a comprehensive multi-year program to increase Italy’s military capabilities, which has been submitted to the Italian Parliament for approval as part of the 2024-2026 defense budget. With this step, Italy underlines its role within NATO and shows that it continues to invest in advanced military technology to be prepared for global threats.
Italy’s increasing investment in the F-35 fleet
Italian plant to buy 15 F-35A and 10 F-35B fighter jets, the country’s F-35 fleet has been expanded to a total of 115 aircraft. This investment represents the phase of the Italian F-35 program, which originally envisaged the purchase of 131 aircraft. However, due to budget cuts, the planned number was reduced to 90, consisting of 60 F-35A and 30 F-35B. However, the latest expansion partially reverses this reduction and signals a strong commitment by Italy to modern defense technology.
The F-35A is a conventional takeoff aircraft, while the F-35B has STOVL (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing) capabilities. This technology allows the F-35B to operate from smaller runways and aircraft carriers, which is a great advantage for naval operations and missions in rugged terrain. These characteristics are invaluable when it comes to ensuring military readiness in diverse environments.
The decision to invest in additional F-35Bs further reflected the strategic importance of this jet for the Italian Navy, especially in the context of its deployment on aircraft carriers such as the Cavour, the flagship of the Italian Navy. This carrier has already been modified to carry the F-35B, making Italian one of only a few in the world with the capabilities to operate these aircraft both on land and at sea.
Eurofighter programme and international cooperation
In addition to the massive investment in the F-35, the defense program also allocates 690 million euros (about 760 million US dollars) to the Eurofighter program. The Eurofighter Typhoon, a joint project of a European nation including Italy, plays a central role in the country’s air defense. This financial support is intended to ensure that the Italian Air Force remains technologically advanced while being integrated into the European defense alliance.
Another key aspect of Italy’s defense plan is cooperation with the United Kingdom and Japan. In December 2023, these three countries signed an agreement to advance the development of a sixth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. This jet will not only have supersonic capabilities, but will also be equipped with cutting-edge technology that will make it a key element of the global security architecture.
This step shows that Italy will play a central role not only in present but also in future technologies. The development of the sixth generation stealth jet represents a significant advance in aviation technology and will enable the nations involved to be at the forefront of the global competition for military superiority.
The significance of these developments for Italy and Europe
The decision to increase investment in defence is in line with the aspirations of many European nations to strengthen their military presence and capabilities. At a time when geopolitical tensions are rising and global threats are becoming more diverse, countries like Italy are seeking to modernise their defence strategies and consolidate their alliances.
For Italy, the expansion of the F-35 fleet means not only strengthening its own defense, but also a close connection with the United States and NATO. The F-35 is now in combat; it is part of a comprehensive network of technology and information that deepens military cooperation between NATO partners. This common technological base allows member countries to communicate better and conduct more effective joint missions.
In addition to the military benefits, such investments also have economic implications. The production and maintenance of the F-35 aircraft in Italy creates jobs and boosts the domestic defense industry. In addition, Italy’s participation in the Eurofighter and stealth jet programs strengthens its position as a leading player in the European defense industry.
With the decision to purchase 25 additional F-35 fighter jets and invest significant resources in the Eurofighter program, Italy is demonstrating a strong commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities. These investments are part of a broader European movement to increase the defense budget and strengthen international security. In addition, the commitment to the development of a new sixth-generation stealth fighter aircraft ensures that Italy will remain at the forefront of technology and military developments in the future.
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