Andrea Innocenti Parliament has just approved the draft budget that will set the defense agenda for the next three years. Over €1,3 billion will be allocated to missions abroad, a stronger military reserve, and the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet, developed in collaboration with London and Tokyo.
One of the most controversial choices concerns the presence of the military on the streets of Milan.
Following the clashes of October 17-18, the 500 Folgore paratroopers' service was extended until March 31, 2027, thanks to €6,1 million in funding included in Article 100 of the budget.
Defense Funding: The New 2027-2029 Budgets
The document provides for a significant strengthening of the Armed Forces , the construction of a military reserve , and significant investments in emerging technologies.
In 2027, 26,4 million euros will be allocated to start the reserve, followed by 423 million in 2028 and almost 435 million in 2029. At the same time, 104 million will be allocated to new construction and modernization of barracks.
Aeronautics projects and international missions
The program includes financing of the Gcap , the sixth generation fighter developed with partners in London and Tokyo.
Nearly 48 million euros will be added to the project over the two-year period, while foreign missions will receive 520 million in 2027 and 803 million in 2028. Berlin has shown interest in the Gcap after the crisis with Paris over the F-CAS program.
Urban Militarization: The 500 Folgore Soldiers in Milan
The extension of the presence of the 500 soldiers was strongly contested by the Democratic Party mayoral candidate, Francesco Majorino , who defined the “militarization of the city a farce” and proposed replacing them with 500 police officers , educators and social workers.
At the same time, the government has announced the revitalization of the auxiliary carabiniere position . In 2027 , 600 auxiliary officers will be added, and starting in 2028, 1.000 per year , with the possibility of extending the model to the police, the Guardia di Finanza, and the penitentiary police.
International perspectives: Gcap and EU reimbursements for Ukraine
A dedicated chapter on foreign affairs concerns the recovery, in 2027, of reimbursements from the European Peace Facility for military equipment already supplied to Ukraine. This is a simple accounting transaction, without new appropriations for weapons, but sufficient to keep Kiev in the government's accounts without fueling further political divisions.
The Forza Italia party has once again called for dedicated social security for the Defense and Security sector , which Antonio Tajani called a "moral imperative" in light of the tragedies in Bosnia, the attacks on law enforcement during demonstrations, and the daily risks faced by military personnel. Tajani concluded by saying: "We will do everything we can to ensure it is included in the budget law."