A report to the UN Secretary General will be drawn up by Maria Angela Holguin Queillar in the near future, as she announced shortly…
Rome seeks to reinforce the Italian Army with new tanks, unmanned platforms and coastal missile squadrons.
According to a document leaked to Italian media that presents the country’s state budget, Italy’s defence procurement budget will increase by 43% by 2025.
The document also mentions 21 high mobility missile systems (HIMARS) as one of Rome’s top priorities. The US-made HIMARS is expected to cost 137 million euros ($145 million), raising total military spending to 960 million euros ($1 billion).
Italy will also allocate 100 million euros ($105 million) to buy Leopard 2 A8 tanks in 2024.
Furthermore, Italy’s Dardo armored fighting vehicles are to be decommissioned and replaced by new vehicles to be purchased and developed next year for 48 million euros ($50.8 million).
Rome will also set up a technology program to produce quadcopter drones in swarms in 2024, with a research and development budget of 76 million euros ($80.5 million).
Balancing NATO requirements
According to Defense News, Italy plans to acquire 133 new tanks so that the country’s Armed Forces can meet NATO requirements.
The increase in Rome’s military budget comes amid a declaration of support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.
So far, Italy has contributed about 390 million euros ($413 million) in aid to Ukraine.
Source: The Defense Post
Also read: Italy | Stricter rules for immigrants
READ MORE
Skopje | President calls her country “Macedonia” – Greek ambassador leaves
The President of Skopje, Gordana Silianovska, during the swearing-in ceremony referred to the country as “Macedonia”…
European Investment Bank | Support for the security and defence industry
The Board of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) approved an updated definition of dual-use goods and infrastructure eligible…
DEFEA CONFERENCE 2024 | The greatest Defence Conference in Greece has been successfully concluded – Photos
The greatest International Defence Conference “DEFEA Conference 2024” has been concluded today with absolute success…
EU | 556 firefighters from 12 countries on the frontline across Europe
More than 500 firefighters from 12 countries will be on the frontline in key locations in Europe including Greece, France and…
Germany and Norway | Kongsberg, Diehl and MBDA Deutschland to develop new supersonic strike missile
Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, alongside German companies Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland, have joined forces to develop…
Ministry of Defence | Seminar on “Maritime Security Challenges in the European Union: The Case of the Eastern Mediterranean”
The Security and Defence Academy of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus and the French Institute for Advanced…
Cyprus Issue | Constructive meeting between Holgin – Christodoulidis
A report to the UN Secretary General will be drawn up by Maria Angela Holguin Queillar in the near future, as she announced shortly…
THEON INTERNATIONAL PLC | Q1 2024 Trading Update achieving outstanding performance
THEON INTERNATIONAL PLC (THEON) presented its Q1 2024 Trading Update and confirms positive results and remarkable resilience.