Defence: an anti-drone shield at Carabinieri stations

A territorial defence shield to be installed at Carabinieri stations throughout the country. This is one of the possible initiatives outlined in the Defence Department’s multi-year policy document for 2026–2028.

There is talk of automatic devices to be installed at stations to detect anomalies in the electromagnetic spectrum and monitor drone control signals (ELINT, electronic intelligence) in order to counter state and parastatal actors and organised crime. The Draft Policy Document explains that ‘a study of a proposed project has been launched’ in this regard. Furthermore, the Dpp refers to the establishment within the Carabinieri of a section dedicated to the cognitive dimension (in coordination with Intelligence and ACN) and the division of stations into ‘operational’ (in medium-to-large towns) and ‘residential’ (in smaller towns, with a reduced workload to enhance community engagement), whilst some of the personnel (for whom there is generally a shortfall of over 4,000 officers) are being redeployed to the Mobile Patrol Unit to ensure a greater presence on the ground.

The procurement programmes for the ‘territorial security’ function also include 640 electric-assist bicycles and mountain bikes, 183 electric vehicles, 20 AWI 19 single-engine helicopters (of which 14 have already been delivered), one AW-139 medium multi-role helicopter, two P-180 EVO Plus fixed-wing aircraft, and the purchase of electric pulse weapons (Tasers), with training to begin in advance at training institutions; the procurement of body-worn cameras and the implementation of quantum encryption technologies are also planned.

A helicopter-based squadron and budget line known as the ‘Cacciatori delle Alpi’ is also being established. Furthermore, the Corps’ uniform is also changing: ‘In 2026, it is planned to issue new items of clothing (winter ankle boots and “polo-style” shirts) to all Carabinieri, as part of a wider review and simplification of the uniform regulations. Furthermore, to streamline the storage and distribution of uniforms, also during the current financial year, a new procedure will be launched on a trial basis involving the centralisation of these items at two national hubs and their dispatch ‘to the individual’s address’, via an express courier service, following a request by the officer via a dedicated online portal for uniform allocation.”