Rome is evaluating a long-term plan to expand its military forces by more than 60 percent, a move projected to cost around 6 billion euros ($7 billion) over the next 18 years.
The strategy, developed by defense specialists and submitted to Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, outlines a sweeping overhaul of the armed forces and is expected to shape a comprehensive modernization roadmap by early next year.
If approved, the proposal would increase the combined strength of Italy’s army, navy, and air force from roughly 170,000 personnel to 275,000, including a 15,000-member reserve. The buildup would unfold incrementally through 2044 and require parliamentary clearance at various stages.
Associated staffing expenditures are projected to grow from 8.8 billion euros annually to about 15 billion euros.
Broader NATO Context
The expansion aligns with a 2025 NATO commitment to lift defense spending to 5 percent of GDP, a target championed by US President Donald Trump to bolster allied deterrence against emerging challenges, particularly from Russia and China.
According to NATO data from last year, Italy’s defense spending stood at 2.01 percent of GDP—below many of its counterparts. Crosetto has indicated that Italy intends to meet the 5 percent threshold by 2035, although the proposal is likely to spark domestic debate, with opponents urging greater investment in social sectors such as healthcare and education.
