Italy is weighing a major expansion of its armed forces, with plans to increase troop numbers by more than 60 percent over the next 18 years at an estimated cost of 6 billion euros ($7 billion).
The proposal, drafted by military experts and presented to Defense Minister Guido Crosetto this week, forms part of a broader armed forces modernization blueprint expected to be finalized by the end of the first quarter, Reuters reported.
Under the framework, total personnel across Italy’s army, navy, and air force would rise from about 170,000 to 275,000, including the creation of a 15,000-strong reserve component. The expansion would be implemented gradually through 2044, subject to parliamentary approval at each stage.
Personnel spending would also increase significantly, climbing from 8.8 billion euros to roughly 15 billion euros annually.
Defense Spending Push
The initiative follows a 2025 NATO agreement calling on member states to raise defense expenditure to 5 percent of GDP. The target, strongly backed by US President Donald Trump, is aimed at strengthening collective security in response to threats from Russia and China.
In 2024, NATO reported that Italy allocated 2.01 percent of GDP to defense, trailing several alliance partners. Crosetto has pledged that Rome will reach the 5 percent benchmark by 2035, though the plan is expected to encounter political resistance from critics who argue funds should prioritize healthcare and education.
