Italy is planning to upgrade the weaponry on some of its F35 fighter jets, a defense ministry document revealed. The move, seen as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is part of a wider trend among NATO members to strengthen their militaries.
The document outlines a 682 million euro investment over 14 years for guided bombs, missiles, and 25 mm cannon rounds. This comes as NATO members increase defense spending, with Italy currently spending 1.5% of its GDP on defense, below the alliance’s 2% target.
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Defense analyst Alessandro Marrone believes that Western nations are shifting their focus from anti-terrorist or anti-guerrilla operations to prepare for potential large-scale conflicts against adversaries like Russia. This investment, he says, is a move to ensure enough ammunition and weaponry for a prolonged conflict.
Italy’s planned F35 upgrades are a clear indication of the changing security landscape and the growing concerns among Western nations. As tensions with Russia rise, NATO members are actively seeking to modernize their militaries and prepare for a potential confrontation.