The Italian government is drafting measures to support the country’s strategic industrial sectors, including microelectronics, and promote foreign investment programs worth at least $1.1 billion, Reuters reported. Citing documents it obtained, the news agency said Italy plans to provide tax breaks of approximately $689 million for five years to support research and development efforts in...
Tag: Italy
Italy Approves $20.6B in 2023 Budget to Fund Weapons Procurement
The Italian government has allocated around $20.6 billion of its 2023 budget to defense spending for the acquisition of new weapons. Rome’s latest budgeting document shows plans to purchase new tanks, fighting vehicles and rocket launchers. According to Defense News, officials delayed the document’s release to accommodate the military’s updated requirements following Russia’s invasion of...
Italian Navy Officially Assumes Command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two
The United Kingdom has officially handed command of the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two to Italy. The change of command took place in Taranto, Italy, on the outgoing flagship Royal Navy HMS Duncan. Present during the event were Royal Navy Cmdr. Paul Stroude, who led SNMG2 over the past five months, and Rear Adm. Pasquale Esposito...
US Approves Italy’s Acquisition of M142 HIMARS Rocket Launchers for $400M
Italy is set to acquire M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems to aid in maintaining stability in Europe. The U.S. Department of State approved on Friday the possible foreign military sale of 21 HIMARS rocket launchers and related equipment valued at $400 million to the Italian Army. Lockheed Martin, as the primary contractor, will manufacture...
Italy Awards Nearly $1B Ariete Tank Upgrade Contract to Iveco-Oto Melara Venture
The Italian government has signed a $928.6 million deal with CIO, an Iveco and Oto Melara consortium, to upgrade its fleet of aging Ariete tanks. Under the deal, CIO will replace the battle tanks’ engines with a new version that boasts 1,500 horsepower. The ground weapon system will also get new mine protection kits, modernized turrets, software-defined radios...