DID Press: Italian PM Giorgia Meloni has launched a sweeping reform agenda to strengthen Italy’s armed forces in response to emerging security threats across Europe.
Under the plan, Italy will expand its military personnel from 170,000 to 275,000 by 2044, including the recruitment of 100,000 new troops and the creation of a permanent 15,000-strong reserve force. The reforms also include structural upgrades across the armed forces, notably the establishment of a dedicated cyber security branch that will recruit civilian specialists with non-military backgrounds.
The government is further considering voluntary enlistment for legally resident foreign nationals to bolster manpower. In addition, staffing levels within the Carabinieri are set to rise, with 2,600 new positions and 7,600 hires planned under a special multi-year recruitment scheme.
Rome says the overhaul aims to enhance national defense autonomy and preparedness amid intensifying global and regional security challenges.