Italy's new Multiyear Planning Document boosts defence spending

The Italian Ministry of Defence (MoD) published its Documento Programmatico Pluriennale (Multiyear Planning Document, DPP) 2021–2023 on 5 August, which lays out plans to spend EUR24.58 billion (USD29 billion) or 1.41% of GDP on defence in 2021, EUR25.16 billion or 1.37% of GDP in 2022, and EUR23.49 billion or 1.23% of GDP in 2023.

The largest amounts are foreseen for air programmes, including EUR2 billion for Italy's participation in the UK-Italian-Swedish Tempest Future Combat Air System (FCAS) through to 2035, including EUR60 million in 2021-23; EUR1.9 billion in the European Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS), including EUR30 million remaining from 2020; and EUR1.4 billion for the acquisition of two new KC-767 strategic tanker/transport aircraft and the modernisation of the existing fleet. The DPP also confirmed plans to acquire new G550 C4ISTAR multi-role/multi-sensor platforms, for a total programme value of EUR1.2 billion through to 2032. Meanwhile, EUR935 million was allocated for the conversion of G550 aircraft to the full operational capability conformal airborne early warning/electronic attack configuration, also through to 2032.

Nearly EUR1.5 million is foreseen for the DDX next-generation destroyer, with two new ships to replace two older vessels. Another EUR1.5 billion is planned to be spent on eight Pattugliatori Polivalenti d'Altura (PPA) multipurpose offshore patrol vessels, out of the EUR3.5 billion required. EUR232 million was added to the EUR179.5 million already allocated for two logistic support ships out of the EUR823 million required for the programme, which lasts until 2035. In addition, EUR170 million is foreseen through to 2027 for the mid-life update of Italy's Fregata Europea Multi Missione (FREMM) frigates.