How Strong Is Italy’s Military in 2026? Navy, F-35s, GCAP and Defense Industry

Italy has the tenth most powerful military in the world in 2026, according to Global Firepower, and one of the most capable navies in Europe. It operates two aircraft carriers, flies both versions of the F-35 used by European air forces, and is home to Leonardo and Fincantieri, two of the continent’s biggest defense manufacturers.

Budget

Italy has traditionally spent less on defense than its NATO allies wanted, around 1.5% of GDP for many years. In 2025 Rome said it had reached NATO’s 2% target, partly by counting forces such as the Carabinieri and the Coast Guard, and it has signed up to NATO’s new goal of 3.5% of GDP for core defense by 2035. Turning that pledge into real money remains a challenge for one of Europe’s most indebted governments.

People

The Italian armed forces have around 165,000 active personnel in the Army, Navy and Air Force, plus more than 100,000 Carabinieri, a gendarmerie force with military status. Italy is one of the leading contributors to NATO, EU and UN missions, from the Baltic to Lebanon.

Navy: two carriers and a strong surface fleet

The Italian Navy operates the carrier Cavour and the amphibious assault ship Trieste, both able to fly F-35B jump jets, giving Italy real fifth-generation airpower at sea. It also fields FREMM and new PPA frigates, Horizon-class destroyers and Todaro-class submarines built with German partners.

Air Force

The Italian Air Force flies Eurofighter Typhoons, F-35As and F-35Bs, and hosts the European F-35 final assembly and maintenance facility at Cameri. Italy is a full partner with the UK and Japan in GCAP, the sixth-generation fighter due around 2035, and in 2026 it began acquiring Astore Levante drones based on the Turkish Bayraktar TB3.

Land forces: a new generation of armor

Italy’s Army is replacing its Ariete tanks and Dardo infantry fighting vehicles through a joint venture between Leonardo and Rheinmetall, building new main battle tanks and a large family of vehicles based on Rheinmetall’s Lynx. It also operates the SAMP/T air defense system, developed with France.

Defense industry

Leonardo is one of the world’s biggest defense companies, active in helicopters, electronics, aircraft and space, while Fincantieri builds warships for Italy, the US Navy and export customers. Italy is also a major exporter of naval vessels, helicopters and trainers such as the M-346.

Verdict

Italy is a mid-sized but well-equipped military power with a strong navy and modern airpower. Its main weaknesses are a limited budget and an army that needs urgent modernization, both of which the new spending pledges are meant to address.

Featured image: U.S. Navy / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons