Crosetto: 'the Italian armed forces are not ready', echoed by the Chief of the SMD. Future scenarios and possible solutions
During his appearance yesterday on 'Fourth Republic' on Rete4, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, raised significant questions regarding Italy's defensive capability in an increasingly tense global context. His words cast a critical light on the country's state of military readiness, especially in relation to the growing threat posed by regional conflicts and international terrorism.
Defence Minister Giudo Crosetto explicitly stated: "Our military defence at the moment is not at an acceptable level. If we suffer an attack like the one Ukraine suffered... I'll stop here.". This statement, although interrupted, sends a clear signal of concern about Italy's ability to adequately defend itself in the event of an attack similar to the one that saw Ukraine become the theatre of a devastating conflict.
Echoing the Minister's words, the today's statements by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chief of Defence Staff, who defined the Italian armed forces '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 missions abroad to combat terrorism and support peace in unstable regions. These efforts highlight the country's commitment to the fight against terrorism, recognising 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 Defence Staff on how undersized the armed forces are, raise important questions on the need for a defence build-up. In particular, the country needs to develop a military force adequate to handle symmetrical conflicts, calibrated to the strategic models that characterised the era of the NATO-Warsaw Pact confrontation.
Therefore, it seems essential to prepare a national project for the strengthening of the military instrument:
- Modernisation and replenishment of major armament and ammunition: it is crucial that Italy, in close cooperation with its Atlantic Alliance partners, mobilises its domestic industry in order to raise the stockpile of armaments and ammunition to a level that guarantees an effective defence of the national territory and allied states.
- Improved recruitment capabilities: it is essential to implement effective strategies to attract and train qualified personnel, enhancing military careers through training programmes and professional development opportunities. Should voluntary recruitment not meet the needs of the armed forces, it could be complemented with the introduction of a form of compulsory conscription regional, inspired by successful models such as the Danish one, to ensure a constant influx of personnel.
- Continuity in the training of military personnel: it is vital that the training of military personnel is continuous and focused on specific warfighting skills. Public security operations on national territory, such as theOperation 'Safe Streets, should be entrusted to the police, allowing the military to concentrate on their training and on missions requiring specific warfare capabilities.
- Technology development and deployment of new defence 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 aircraft 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 academia and academia. 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 realise the seriousness of the international situation and the absolute necessity of equipping the nation with suitable defence instruments.
In conclusion, Minister Crosetto's words today serve as a wake-up call for Italy and its allies. As Europe continues to navigate a complex global landscape, clarity about the state of our defence and the determination to improve it will be crucial to ensure the security and well-being of its citizens in the modern era.
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
