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

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