The 2027 Defence Budget in 10 Questions and Answers: from the super fighter jet to overseas missions

Those aged 26 or under may take part in the selection procedures for the recruitment of auxiliary Carabinieri in the voluntary reserve; a lower secondary school leaving certificate; and who are physically, psychologically and in terms of aptitude fit for recruitment into the Armed Forces as auxiliary Carabinieri in the voluntary reserve. The procedures for the recruitment of auxiliary Carabinieri in the voluntary reserve are governed by a decision of the Commander-in-Chief of the Carabinieri.

The provisions governing the granting of non-financial benefits resulting from having completed compulsory military service shall apply, insofar as they are compatible, without imposing any new or additional burdens, also in respect of military service undertaken by auxiliary Carabinieri in the voluntary reserve for at least twelve months.

Yes, recruits are eligible for the auxiliary Carabinieri cadet course for the voluntary reserve, which lasts for no more than three months. Upon enlistment, auxiliary Carabinieri cadets in the voluntary reserve enter into a voluntary service contract for a period of one year.

Auxiliary Carabinieri in the voluntary reserve on active service are entitled to a salary calculated at 65 per cent of the salary benchmark applicable to a Carabinieri officer on voluntary active service; fixed and recurring allowances calculated at 65 per cent of those payable to a carabiniere on voluntary service. Auxiliary Carabinieri in the voluntary reserve who are on extended service shall be paid the salary and fixed and regular allowances at the rates applicable to Carabinieri on voluntary service.

The budget reallocates funds to the fund intended to finance Italy’s participation in international missions, to the tune of 520 million for 2027 and 803.5 million for 2028. This measure has been adopted in light of developments in the international geopolitical situation.

Yes. It provides for the establishment, within the Ministry of Defence’s budget, of a Fund for the modernisation of the infrastructure of the Italian Army, the Navy, the Air Force and joint forces (and therefore also barracks), with a budget of 17 million euros for 2027 and 87 million for 2028. The identification of projects to be funded and their relative priority takes place within the framework of defence infrastructure planning, taking into account requirements, the stage of project development, implementation timetables and available funding.

As regards GCAP, the international collaboration programme involving Italia, the United Kingdom and Japan, with the shared ambition of developing a new-generation aircraft, the ‘sixth-generation fighter’, by 2035. additional costs amounting to 32.3 million for 2027 and 15.5 for 2028, arising from unforeseen changes to GIGO’s Administrative Budget.