Italy is considering boosting its military troops by more than 60 percent over the next 18 years at an estimated cost of about 6 billion euros ($7 billion).
Military experts drafted the strategy and presented it this week to Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, laying the foundation for a broader modernization of the armed forces expected by the end of the first quarter, according to Reuters.
That framework would raise combined troop levels across Rome’s army, navy, and air force to 275,000 from around 170,000, including a 15,000-strong reserve.
Throughout the initiative, the increase would be phased in through 2044, with steps subject to parliamentary approval.
Simultaneously, associated personnel costs would rise from the current 8.8 billion to approximately 15 billion euros ($10.3 to $17.6 billion).
Italy’s move follows a 2025 agreement between NATO countries to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP.
The plan is demanded by US President Donald Trump to reinforce collective security against modern threats, particularly from Russia and China.
Last year, NATO said that Italy spent 2.01 percent of its gross domestic product on defense, but the investments were lower than those of many alliance partners.
In response, Crosetto assured that Rome would eventually meet the said 5 percent target by 2035.
However, that proposal is likely to face opposition, with critics arguing the funds should go to health care and education instead.
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