Italy to Acquire Additional F-35s and M-346s as Part of New Defense Planning | Aviation

The Italian MoD is still continuing the heavy modernization efforts of the recent years, with the announcement of the acquisition of 25 F-35s and 20 M-346s in addition to the already announced 24 Eurofighters.

The Italian government published on Sep. 17, 2024, the annual multiyear defense planning document (Documento Programmatico Pluriennale della Difesa), which reviews the military funding for 2024-2026. The document illustrates the funding needed by the Italian military to sustain and modernize its forces, which are undergoing many changes to adapt to modern scenarios.

This year’s edition includes the continuation of many programs already announced in previous editions and throughout the year, as well some previously unannounced acquisitions. Among these are a new batch of F-35 5th gen fighters and M-346 trainers, which add to the Eurofighters announced earlier this year.

The scenario

Once again, the strategic situation is based on a reference scenario called the “extended Mediterranean” region, characterized by persistent instability factors which reflect on the interests and the security of Italy. Among the major factors affecting the region, the document mentions the Russian-Ukrainian war and the Israel-Hamas war.

The Russian attack on…