ROME, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Italy's defence ministry is considering increasing its military personnel by more than 60% over the next 18 years, at an estimated cost of around six billion euros ($7 billion
Italy Weighs Adding 100,000 Troops in Major Armed Forces Expansion
Italy’s Armed Forces Overhaul and Spending Outlook
ROME, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Italy's defence ministry is considering increasing its military personnel by more than 60% over the next 18 years, at an estimated cost of around six billion euros ($7 billion), according to a document seen by Reuters.
The proposal was drawn up by military experts and was presented this week to Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, laying the groundwork for an ambitious plan to overhaul the armed forces that is due to be unveiled by the end of March.
Reserve Component: 15,000 Personnel
Personnel Goal: 275,000 Across Army, Navy, Air Force
The experts recommended lifting combined personnel numbers for the army, navy and air force to 275,000 up from around 170,000 now, including a 15,000-strong reserve.
NATO Spending Targets and External Pressure
Last year, NATO countries agreed to boost defence spending to 5% of national output under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump -- a challenge for heavily indebted Italy, whose budget is traditionally lower than that of its partners.
Current Defense Outlays: 2.01% of GDP
Last year, NATO estimated that Italy spent just 2.01% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence.
Phased Timeline Through 2044 and Cost Estimates
Under the new proposal, which is not yet finalised and would have to be approved by parliament, the increase in staffing would be phased in gradually by 2044, with personnel costs rising to nearly 15 billion euros from 8.8 billion currently.
Parliament Approval and Political Opposition
Crosetto, a close ally of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, pledged last year that Italy would hit the new 5% target by 2035. However, the government is likely to face strong opposition to such a radical increase, with critics saying the money would be better spent on health and education. ($1 = 0.8498 euros)
(Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Crispian Balmer)
