Italy Enhances F35 Firepower Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

Italy plans to upgrade its F35 fighter jets' weaponry, investing €682 million over 14 years on advanced armaments such as guided bombs and missiles. This move aims to bolster its defenses following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and align with NATO's increased defense spending amidst global geopolitical tensions.

Italy is set to enhance the weaponry aboard its F35 fighter jets, according to a defense ministry document, as part of efforts to maintain up-to-date arsenals in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The document, pending parliamentary review by mid-August, outlines €682 million ($746 million) in purchases over 14 years, covering armaments like guided bombs, missiles, and 25 mm cannon rounds. This investment aligns with increased NATO defense spending, with Italy also planning significant investment in new Eurofighter jets.

Currently, Rome's defense spending amounts to around 1.5% of GDP, below NATO's 2% target. Following Moscow's conflict initiation with Kyiv in February 2022, European nations have boosted their defense budgets substantially. The government document notes a previously earmarked €650 million for a six-month conflict operation support program.

Alessandro Marrone, a defense analyst from Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), remarked on a broader shift in Western procurement plans to prepare for large-scale conflicts. Past shortages during the 1998-99 Kosovo war and the 2011 Libya intervention highlight the importance of this readiness.

"Investments are shifting towards assets for conflicts with equal adversaries, like Russia, differing from anti-terrorist operations seen in Iraq and Afghanistan," Marrone explained.

($1 = 0.9142 euros)

(With inputs from agencies.)