Global Firepower 2025, Italy is the second military power in the European Community and the tenth in the world

According to the 2025 report of Global Firepower, l’Italia si posiziona al decimo posto tra le potenze militari mondiali, superando molte altre nazioni europee e posizionandosi subito dopo la Francia nella comunità europea. Questa posizione riflette un equilibrio tra forze terrestri, navali e aeree, unite ad una strategia difensiva solida e ad una spesa militare in costante crescita. Secondo l’Mil€x Observatory infatti, nel 2024 il bilancio del Ministero della Difesa ha superato per la prima volta i 29 miliardi di euro, con un aumento di 1,438 miliardi di euro (+5,1%) rispetto al 2023, che a sua volta aveva visto una crescita di circa 1,8 miliardi di euro rispetto al 2022. Complessivamente, tra il 2022 e il 2024, l’incremento è stato di oltre 3,2 miliardi di euro, pari al 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 autonomy: misura l’accesso a tecnologie avanzate, come i sistemi di difesa aerea e i programmi spaziali, e la capacità di produzione indipendente di equipaggiamento strategico.

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

L’Italia, riconosciuta come decima potenza militare globale e seconda in Europa secondo il Global Firepower 2025, deve parte della sua forza alla 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 sottomarini, 2 portaerei, 3 navi d’assalto anfibio, 4 cacciatorpediniere, 10 fregate, 13 pattugliatori d’altura e altre unità. 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 Comando Raggruppamento Subacquei e Incursori “Teseo Tesei”known 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.

L’Aeronautica Militare Italiana: tecnologia e innovazione per la difesa aerea

With over 500 operational aircraft, including Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35 Lightning II e aerei da trasporto avanzati, l’Italian Air Force si distingue per innovazione tecnologica e capacità di proiezione internazionale. L’industria aerospaziale italiana, con 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.

Al pari del COMSUBIN per la Marina Militare, l’Aeronautica Militare vanta il suo reparto di Forze Speciali, il 17th Incursor Wing. Questo reparto rappresenta l’élite dell’Aeronautica nel campo delle operazioni speciali, con competenze uniche e altamente specializzate. Gli incursori del 17º Stormo sono addestrati per missioni ad alto rischio, che includono infiltrazione in ambienti ostili, acquisizione e designazione di obiettivi per attacchi di precisione, e supporto aereo ravvicinato.

La continua innovazione e l’impegno nella formazione di personale di eccellenza fanno dell’Aeronautica Militare un pilastro fondamentale della sicurezza nazionale e un attore di rilievo sulla scena mondiale.

L’Esercito Italiano tra eccellenze, valori e tradizione

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

Come le altre forze armate, i veri protagonisti dell’Esercito Italiano sono gli uomini e le donne che ne fanno parte, appartenenti a tutte le specialità, e portatori di valori e tradizioni profondamente radicati.

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: la più grande unità corazzata dell’Esercito Italiano. Pedina fondamentale per le operazioni terrestri, grazie alla sua potenza di fuoco e mobilità.
• Lagunari Regiment Serenissima: unico reparto di fanteria d’assalto anfibio dell’Esercito Italiano, i Lagunari si distinguono per la capacità di operare in scenari complessi e diversificati, garantendo un supporto tattico cruciale nelle operazioni anfibie.

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.

La continuazione e l’esperienza maturate in oltre un secolo di storia pongono le forze speciali italiane tra le più preparate, non solo in Europa, ma nell’intero contesto NATO e mondiale.

Le Forze Speciali dell’Esercito Italiano comprendono tre reparti altamente addestrati, ciascuno con una specifica vocazione operativa:

• 9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin': primo reparto di forze speciali dell’Esercito Italiano fin dal 1953 e diretto erede degli Arditi nati nella prima guerra mondiale. Specializzato in missioni ad altissimo rischio, si distingue per operazioni complesse come la liberazione di ostaggi, interventi dietro le linee nemiche e missioni di combattimento ad aziene diretta ed indiretta, solitamente in scenari assimmetrici.
• 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

Queste forze combinano ruoli militari e di polizia, proteggendo il territorio e contrastando minacce interne ed esterne. I Carabinieri sono impegnati nell’ordine pubblico e nelle missioni internazionali, mentre la Guardia di Finanza si concentra sulla lotta ai reati economici e finanziari, rafforzando la sicurezza economica del Paese.

La Difesa Italiana, un’eccellenza nel mondo nonostante i vincoli di bilancio

In sintesi, l’Italia, con le sue Forze Armate moderne e competenti, continua a essere un attore chiave nella sicurezza globale ed un punto di riferimento per stabilità e pace.

La posizione dell’Italia tra le prime dieci potenze militari mondiali testimonia inoltre la capacità delle sue forze armate di adattarsi ai cambiamenti geopolitici e tecnologici.

Nonostante i vincoli di bilancio, l’Italia è riuscita a mantenere una forza militare moderna, bilanciando capacità difensiva e di proiezione, e assicurando un ruolo centrale nelle dinamiche di sicurezza regionale e globale.