Italy Defense Market Opportunities
Published in October 2023, the Italian Ministry of Defense (MoD) Multi-Year (2023-25) Defense Planning Document (DPP) allocates $30 billion in resources. When combined with an additional $3 billion in funding from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MiMiT), this is a slight increase from 2022 and represents 1.46 percent of GDP.
Beyond programs to modernize and renew weapons systems, warships, aircraft and helicopter platforms, a key focus in the DPP is on maritime and underwater situational awareness to safeguard national boundaries and strategic interests. Increased attention will be placed on the enforcement of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through emerging and disruptive technologies, including robotics, unmanned systems and large autonomous underwater vehicles (LAUV). The MOD will launch a new program to procure aerial unmanned platforms for ships to enforce patrolling capabilities. The Italian Navy is also enlarging its fleet of unmanned underwater vehicles for seabed warfare operations. The DPP also refers to an anti-drone capability for naval applications.
Other funded programs include one for telecommunications satellites and the development of low-earth orbit (LEO) communications and data relay satellites for digitalization of the armed forces and another to develop a data exchange network among government satellites to exploit space products for tactical needs and to increase the resilience of national broadband communications networks.
In addition, there are programs for modular, portable, closed shooting ranges for firearms training activities; and a Special Ops airdrop capability modernization program with acquisition of materials and equipment for air launch to ensure highly effective special forces for current and future operational scenarios.
The U.S. defense industry is highly regarded worldwide for their innovative technologies, reliability and after-sale-service and training, making U.S. firms competitive in the Italian defense market. U.S. companies seeking to enter the Italian defense market should work through a local agent, distributor or representative. Attending trade shows in the region is an excellent opportunity to network with local distributors and partners, and the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) in Italy offers export assistance and resources to identify suitable partners. For additional information on Italian defense procurement and CS services, please contact: Maria Calabria, Aerospace and Defense Trade Specialist, Maria.Calabria@trade.gov, +39 06 46742427.