Italy’s Ministry of Defense has published a new strategy, “AI and Defense,” defining artificial intelligence as an indispensable strategic element for the future of national defense.
The document places AI within a context of fast technological change and growing geopolitical challenges, identifying it as a key lever to reinforce operational capabilities. (Read the document).
Decoding the news: Rome is accelerating the adoption of AI across its military structures to modernize capabilities and reinforce its standing among allies in NATO and the European Union.
Driving the news: The strategy’s primary objective is the rapid, systemic integration of AI across training, organizational and operational domains.
Officials aim to position Italy as a credible and proactive partner in multilateral alliances, particularly NATO and the EU.
Guiding principles:
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- A responsible, ethical approach aligned with International Humanitarian Law.
- Maintenance of meaningful human control over technology and clear command responsibility.
- Pursuit of strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty through strong internal capabilities, including deep control over AI systems.
Where AI will be applied: Four main areas of intervention:
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- Operations: Planning support, decision superiority, engagement speed and multi-domain protection.
- Organizational contexts: Decision-making support and optimization of structured processes.
- Training, education and research: Building AI culture and enhancing systems through simulation and human-machine cooperation.
- Industry: Leveraging the national ecosystem, including startups and SMEs, through partnerships and technology transfer.
Enablers and governance: Key pillars include skilled personnel, data, algorithms, proprietary computing capacity — including HPC and quantum computing — and secure networks.
On the organizational side, the plan establishes:
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- An AI Office (UIA) to implement political direction and oversee execution.
- A Defense AI Laboratory (LIAD) as a center of excellence and AI delivery hub.
The bottom line: The strategy places artificial intelligence at the core of Italy’s national defense planning, framing it as the new frontier for both security and technological development.
