Exploring the Benefits of a New Force Enabler: Defense AI in Italy

Abstract

Abstract Italy is striving to bridge its gap in defense Artificial Intelligence (AI) despite being a latecomer in the field. This pursuit aligns with broader efforts towards digitalization and modernization, particularly within its Armed Forces. Acknowledging AI’s potential benefits and threats, Italy emphasizes human involvement in decision-making processes while advancing modernization initiatives. Italy sees defense AI as a force multiplier, enhancing Armed Forces capabilities through sensor sophistication, automation, data fusion, and decision-making support. The commitment to modernize dates back to the early 2000s, notably with the Forza NEC program launched in 2007. Aimed at integrating military assets into a network-centric framework by 2031, this initiative seeks to enhance computation, communication, and situational awareness. In 2021, the Ministry of Defense allocated €190M for AI development until 2035, marking a significant investment exclusively focused on defense AI. However, several programs, including the ambitious Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and Robotics and Autonomous Systems Experimentation Campaign (RAS), are going to involve AI technologies. The Italian Armed Forces collaborate and synergize on their key projects with the country’s whole AI ecosystem, which includes academic institutions, civil and military research labs, startups, and private and public high-tech companies. In addition, most Italian defense AI development projects are designed to optimize resources while also ensuring integrability and interoperability among its Armed Forces branches as well as NATO allies and platforms—this is also true for AI and training. The Italian Armed Forces have set their key goals for 2035, but it remains to be seen if they will be able to accomplish them by that year.