In recent months the theme of the rearmament of Italy has returned to the center of the public and political debate. The Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto He just specified that Italy’s goal is not to “pursue rearmament”, but to build a efficient defenseafter years of lower investments followed to the Cold War.
Crosetto’s words fit into a scenario in transformation: Europe, driven by the war in Ukraine and by a growing global uncertainty, finds itself forced to rediscover the military dimension of power. Italy, like other continental states, moves with caution but decision towards strengthening their defensive skills. Not by ideological choice, but for need geopolitics.
Crosetto breaks the silence: is Italy getting rid of?
Minister Guido Crosetto announced a decisive increase in the national production of missiles:
- +40% in 2025,
- +100% in 2026.
But it is not the quantity that tells everything. It is the signal. The Samp-T system, whose deliveries will begin within 18 months, thus becomes a symbol of a changed strategic posture.
Crosetto clarified that it is not an ideological race to rearma, but of a functional adaptation to the new historical phase we are experiencing.
Italy, like other European actors, cannot afford uncertainties according to the minister: he must demonstrate that he has the ability to respond. More than a political choice, military strengthening appears as an obligatory passage dictated by strategic reality.
Italian defense: how much we spend and where billions of euros go
Since 2014, in fact, the NATO countries (including Italy) have committed themselves to bringing the expenditure for the defense to 2% of GDP by 2028. In 2024-2025 Italy is still under this objective, about 1.5% of GDP, equal to 33 billion euros per year.
The financial statements of the Ministry of Defense for 2025 amounts to approximately 32 billion eurosincrease of 2 billion on 2024 and 60% compared to ten years ago.
Of these funds, a large part covers i costs fixed:
- staff;
- pensions;
- missions.
About 13 billion are intended in 2025 atPurchase of new armaments and technologies.
F-35, Samp-T missiles, tanks: what Italy is buying
Between April 2024 and May 2025, the Italian government has therefore strengthened the allocations for the defense, starting multi -year investments in different programs.
Additional EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON, F-35, Samp-t missiles, armed drones, radar systems, surveillance and aerocyhistan-based aircraft have been planned.
The Navy is expanding the fleet with new frigates, submarines, destroyers and patrolling patrols, while the army will receive Panther tanks, Lynx vehicles and Hmars launches. In parallel, the renewal of artillery and helicopter component is aimed at the renewal.
Iveco Defgence, Leonardo & Co.: The race to the Italian war industry
Military enhancement goes hand in hand with growing attention to the defense industry. An emblematic case is Iveco Defgence Vehiclesput up for sale by Iveco Group in 2025. Various European actors compete the company, including Leonardo, CSG (Czech Republic) and other groups. The Italian government is ready to activate Golden Power tools to protect this strategic sector.
Companies such as Leonardo, Fincantieri, Mbda Italia are involved in large European projects: drones, wagons, missiles and ships of the future are also designed in Italy.
Europe is armed in silence: the Rearm plan and the role of Italy
The strengthening of Italian defense is part of a broader frame: the Rearm Europe plan, launched in 2025 by the EU Commission, provides 800 billion euros in incentives to increase the military spending of the Member States. Italy aims to gradually rise to 2% of GDP, but could double investments by 2027 if the EU resources are unlocked.
Brussels also finances programs such as Asap (to increase the European production of ammunition) and theEuropean Defgence Fundwhich involves many Italian companies.
