Decoding the news. It is the first time such synergy has occurred in Italy, where the separation between civilian and military spheres was rigid until recently.
- The initiative marks a turning point in Italy’s approach to procurement and innovation in Defence.
- Aims to create a “virtuous ecosystem” (Bernini) and overcome fragmentation and delays that weaken Italy and Europe.
- It fits into the European context of programs such as Edip and Safe, linked to Readiness2030.
What they said
- Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defence: “We live in an era characterised by timelines that have few precedents in history.”
- “Threats change every six months and counter-systems must evolve with the same speed.”
- “We must transform every euro invested into something beneficial for the Nation’s defence.”
- Anna Maria Bernini, Minister of University and Research: “Research must be preserved.”
- She called for the return of researchers who emigrated abroad and for creating a “virtuous ecosystem” in new technological fields (quantum, microchips).
- General Luciano Portolano, Chief of Defence Staff: “Although the Armed Forces and industry move on different tracks, these must never be divergent.”
- The defence industrial base is “an integral part of strategic autonomy and the European pillar of NATO.”
- Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani, National Armaments Director: He cited Edip and Safe as tools to “reconcile financial stimulus and cooperation between States and industries.”
- Creating an “effective humus” is necessary to enable dialogue between defence, industry, and research.
The industrial perspective. Industry leaders emphasised the need for faster processes, better coordination, and smarter spending, highlighting obstacles and opportunities.
- Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardo, denounced the slowness of processes: “For the joint venture with Rheinmetall… five different antitrust certifications were required.”
- Biagio Mazzotta, Chairman of Fincantieri: “We need to defragment, reduce the number of platforms, and spend better and more.”
- Lorenzo Mariani, CEO of MBDA Italia: “The key is one: to arrive first.” Risk of “national revanchisms” if rearmament programs remain uncoordinated.
- Alessandro Ercolani, CEO of Rheinmetall Italia, distinguished three phases of defence—tools, man-machine, and machine-man—stressing the importance of technological skills.
Defence culture and international scenario. Stefano Mannino, President of CASD (Centre for Higher Defence Studies): must be a “crucible in which to share talents and capabilities, to anticipate events and not be overwhelmed by them.”
- Vittorio Emanuele Parsi, professor of Cattolica University: “American politics is shaking alliances, particularly NATO.” Europe must not only rearm, but also understand why.”
The bottom line. The study, which must be delivered by spring 2026, will be meaningful only if paired with the priorities raised at the forum: speed, coordination, investment efficiency, and creating a true ecosystem linking defence, industry, and research.
