According to the 2025 report of Global FirepowerItaly ranks tenth among the world's military powers, surpassing many other European nations and ranking just behind France in the European community. This position reflects a balance of land, naval and air forces, combined with a robust defence strategy and steadily increasing military expenditure. According to theMil€x Observatory in fact, in 2024, the Ministry of Defence budget exceeded EUR 29 billion for the first time, with an increase of EUR 1.438 billion (+5.1%) compared to 2023, which in turn had seen a growth of about EUR 1.8 billion compared to 2022. Overall, between 2022 and 2024, the increase was more than EUR 3.2 billion, or 12.5%.
Let us analyse together the factors that contribute to this positioning.
The Global Firepower Ranking
The ranking Global Firepower represents one of the world's most in-depth and recognised analyses of military power, examining 145 countries across more than 60 parameters. These criteria provide a detailed view of each nation's overall ability to sustain military operations in complex scenarios.
Among the key factors considered are:
- Available manpowerThis includes not only active members of the armed forces, but also the human potential that can be mobilised in the event of conflict.
- Military arsenal strengthincludes the number and quality of tanks, aircraft, ships and other strategic assets.
- Logistics and industrial capabilitiesIt analyses the production capacity of military equipment, infrastructure and transport.
- Financial resources for defenceevaluates the military budget and long-term economic sustainability.
- Technological advancement and production autonomyIt measures access to advanced technologies, such as air defence systems and space programmes, and the capacity for independent production of strategic equipment.
The ranking is distinguished by its balanced approach, which does not only consider the numerical size of the armed forces, but also analyses fundamental aspects such as the economic resilience and the ability to sustain prolonged conflict. Another crucial element is thetechnological autonomywhich determines a country's level of dependence on imports of armaments e strategic components.
The Global Firepower Index (GFP) assigns a specific score to each country, where a lower value indicates a higher overall military capability:

The crucial role of the Italian Navy

Italy, recognised as the tenth global military power and second in Europe according to Global Firepower 2025, owes part of its strength to the Navy which plays a strategic role in the Mediterranean. Thanks to its geographical position and a modern and versatile fleet, the Italian Navy ensures the defence of the coast and the protection of national interests, contributing to regional and global security.
With over 7,500 kilometres of coastline, the Navy operates a fleet of 8 submarines, 2 aircraft carriers, 3 amphibious assault ships, 4 destroyers, 10 frigates, 13 deep-sea patrol vessels and other units. These resources enable it to deal with threats such as piracy, illegal trafficking and natural disasters, as well as support humanitarian and international operations.
Iconic and a pioneer of modern maritime special forces, the Teseo Tesei' Diving and Incursion Regiment Commandknown as COMSUBINis recognised as one of the most prestigious naval special forces globally.
Consisting of two main components, the Operational Group Incursors (GOI) and the Diving Operations Group (GOS)COMSUBIN, heir to the Flotillas MAS that were already part of the Royal Italian Navy in the First World WarIt excels in a wide range of special operations. The GOI specialises in raids, direct action, counter-terrorism and unconventional warfare, while the GOS deals with complex underwater missions such as demining, demolition and technical support.
COMSUBIN's tradition of excellence and innovation, matured through more than a century of experience, makes it an absolute benchmark for contemporary special forces, consolidating Italy's leadership in maritime special operations.
The Italian Air Force: technology and innovation for air defence

With over 500 operational aircraft, including Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35 Lightning II and advanced transport aircraft, theItalian Air Force stands out for technological innovation and international projection. The Italian aerospace industry, with Leonardo at the top, plays a key role in the modernisation of the national and international fleet. A significant example is the FACO of Cameri (Final Assembly and Check Out), where the F-35. At this facility, the first wing box was completed for a F-35A for the US Air Forcethen sent to Lockheed Martin's final production line in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Italian Air Force is therefore an essential component of the defence of the country and the international community. Thanks to a modern fleet and highly trained personnel, it is able to carry out a wide range of missions, ensuring the security of airspace, supporting other armed forces, and actively contributing to international security and peacekeeping operations.
Like COMSUBIN for the Navy, the Air Force boasts its own Special Forces unit, the 17th Incursor Wing. This unit represents the Air Force's elite in the field of special operations, with unique and highly specialised skills. Incursors of the 17th Wing are trained for high-risk missions, which include infiltration into hostile environments, target acquisition and designation for precision strikes, and close air support.
Continuous innovation and a commitment to training excellent personnel make the Air Force a fundamental pillar of national security and a major player on the world stage.
The Italian Army between excellence, values and tradition

L' Italian Armywhile facing recruitment challenges common to many western armies, is distinguished by the quality of its units and the breadth of its operational capabilities. Founded on a solid tradition, the contribution of its forces is crucial for national security and for Italy's participation in international and, in recent years, national operations.
Italy's largest defence force has a large fleet of vehicles, including tanks such as theAriete C-1 and the Leopard 1combat vehicles such as the IFV Dardo and advanced tactical means such as the VTLM Lynx. These are complemented by self-propelled artillery and specialised engineer vehicles, which offer a wide range of operational options. The forthcoming modernisation will see the introduction of the tank Italian Main Battle Lynx and airborne vehicle GMV Flyer 72 for paratroopers and special forces, confirming the armed force's commitment to technological evolution.
Historical and specialised units
Like the other armed forces, the real protagonists of the Italian Army are the men and women who are part of it, belonging to all specialities, and bearers of deeply rooted values and traditions.
Among the excellences are:
- Brigade Sassari: infantry unit historically a symbol of valour and resilience, the strong bond with the Sardinian territory and the ability to operate effectively even in the most difficult conditions.
- Bersaglieri: historical corps that has been able to adapt to modern operational contexts, maintaining agility and speed as distinctive traits.
- Folgore Parachute Brigade: renowned for its rigorous training and high operational readiness, it is an international benchmark for high-intensity missions, emergency operations and rapid intervention. Its reputation confers high prestige on the international parachute community (Airborne Community).
- The Alpine Brigades: specialised in combat in mountain environments, they combine tradition and advanced skills to operate in extreme climatic conditions.
- 132nd Armoured Brigade Ariete: the Italian Army's largest armoured unit. A key pawn for land operations, thanks to its firepower and mobility.
- Lagunari Regiment Serenissima: The only amphibious assault infantry unit of the Italian Army, the Lagunari are distinguished by their ability to operate in complex and diverse scenarios, providing crucial tactical support in amphibious operations.
Special Forces of Excellence

Italy was the first country in the world to test elite military unitspioneers of innovative tactics and assault vehicles, both overland with the Arditiboth at sea with daring flotillas MAS of the Regia Marina. From their origins, these units embodied courage and the ability to anticipate new ways of operating, creating a tradition that would inspire modern Special Forces around the world.
The continuation and experience gained in over a century of history place the Italian special forces among the best prepared, not only in Europe, but in the entire NATO and world context.
The Italian Army Special Forces comprise three highly trained units, each with a specific operational vocation:
- 9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin': first special forces unit of the Italian Army since 1953 and direct heir of the Arditi born in the First World War. Specialised in very high-risk missions, it stands out for complex operations such as hostage rescue, interventions behind enemy lines and direct and indirect action combat missions, usually in asymmetric scenarios.
- 185th Reconnaissance Objective Acquisition Regiment (RAO): excels in special reconnaissance and target acquisition, providing high-value intelligence in conflict scenarios.
- 4th Alpine Parachute Regiment: unit combining Alpine and parachute skills, ideal for special operations in extreme climatic and environmental conditions.
These units represent the excellence of Italian capabilities in special operations, contributing significantly to national and international security, strengthening Italy's position as a global leader in this field.
A competitive military industry

Italian defence benefits from advanced systems developed by domestic industry, consolidating Italy's role as a technological leader in the sector. Key equipment includes the assault rifle Beretta ARX 160the multi-role light tactical vehicle VTLM Lynx and the attack helicopter A129 Mongoosedesigned to cope with complex and diverse operational scenarios.
These instruments not only guarantee high performance in the field, but are appreciated internationally, with exports to numerous countries. Italian reliability, build quality and technological innovation represent a strong point for the sector, as demonstrated by the collaboration with global partners on strategic projects, including the development of the F-35 fighter aircraft.
The Italian military industry not only provides advanced solutions for the national armed forces, but also contributes to the country's economy through research, development and production of dual-use technologies. These innovations, applicable in both the military and civil sectors, strengthen Italy's competitiveness in global markets and consolidate its position as a key partner in international alliances.
Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza: guarantors of security and legality
These forces combine military and police roles, protecting the territory and countering internal and external threats. The Carabinieri are engaged in public order and international missions, while the Guardia di Finanza focuses on combating economic and financial crime, strengthening the country's economic security.

Italian Defence, an excellence in the world despite budget constraints
In summary, Italy, with its modern and competent Armed Forces, continues to be a key player in global security and a reference point for stability and peace.
Italy's position among the world's top ten military powers also testifies to the ability of its armed forces to adapt to geopolitical and technological changes.
Despite budgetary constraints, Italy has managed to maintain a modern military force, balancing defensive and projection capabilities, and ensuring a central role in regional and global security dynamics.