Crosetto: "the Italian armed forces are not ready", echoed by the Chief of SMD. Future scenarios and possible solutions

During his appearance yesterday on "Quarta Repubblica" on Rete4, the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto, raised significant issues regarding Italy's defensive capability in an increasingly tense global context. His words cast a critical light on the country's military readiness, especially in relation to the growing threat posed by regional conflicts and international terrorism.

The Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto explicitly stated: "Our military defense is currently not at an acceptable level. If we were to suffer an attack like the one Ukraine has suffered... I'll stop here". This statement, although interrupted, sends a clear signal of concern regarding Italy's ability to adequately defend itself in the event of an attack similar to the one that saw Ukraine become the theater of a devastating conflict.

Echoing the Minister's words, the recent statements of Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chief of Defense Staff, who described the Italian armed forces as "Absolutely undersized" and that "At least 10,000 more men are needed".

The Minister's concern reflects a broader issue that goes beyond mere military capability. It is a recognition of the reality in which we live.

Italy, as part of the international community, has actively participated in overseas missions to combat terrorism and support peace in unstable regions. These efforts highlight the country's commitment to the fight against terrorism, recognizing that it is a threat that knows no borders.

However, the Minister's remarks on Italy's military readiness and those of the Chief of Defense Staff on how undersized the armed forces are, raise important questions about the need for defense strengthening. In particular, the country needs to develop a military force adequate to manage symmetric conflicts, calibrated on the strategic models that characterized the era of confrontation between NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

Therefore, it appears essential to prepare a national project for the enhancement of the military instrument:

1. Modernization and replenishment of main armament and ammunition materials: it is crucial that Italy, in close collaboration with Atlantic Alliance partners, mobilizes the national industry to raise the stockpiles of armaments and ammunition to a level that ensures effective defense of the national territory and allied states.
2. Improvement of recruitment capabilities: it is essential to implement effective strategies to attract and train qualified personnel, enhancing military careers through training programs and professional growth opportunities. Should voluntary recruitment not meet the needs of the armed forces, it could be complemented with the introduction of a form of mandatory regional conscription, inspired by successful models like the Danish one, to ensure a constant influx of personnel.
3. Continuity in military personnel training: it is vitally important that military personnel training is continuous and focused on specific warfighting skills. Public security operations on national territory, such as the "Strade Sicure" operation, should be entrusted to police forces, allowing the military to concentrate on their training and missions that require specific combat capabilities.
4. Technological development and deployment of new defense tools based on advanced systems: it is imperative to manage financial resources strategically, aiming to increase the operational and technological capabilities of the armed forces. Priority must be given to the adoption of emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), cyber warfare, and satellite capabilities. This approach ensures not only the maintenance of existing equipment but also the development and integration of new technical solutions to effectively respond to modern threats.

To address these challenges, a comprehensive approach is needed that integrates military expertise, national production capabilities, and technological innovations from the academic world. It will be essential to balance military readiness with diplomatic efforts to promote stability and prevent conflicts, as well as to make the Italian public aware of the seriousness of the international situation and the absolute necessity of equipping the nation with suitable defense tools.

In conclusion, the words of Minister Crosetto serve today as a wake-up call for Italy and its allies. As Europe continues to navigate a complex global landscape, clarity on the state of our defense and the determination to improve it will be fundamental to ensuring the security and well-being of its citizens in the modern era.