Italian Air Force orders two more MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers for delivery by end of 2027
The Italian Air Force has ordered two additional MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, with delivery scheduled by the end of 2027. The purchase includes new ground control stations. Italy lost one Reaper in Libya in 2019 and another was destroyed in a March 2026 Iranian drone strike in Kuwait. The order maintains Italy's fleet strength while the U.S. Air Force moves toward replacing its own MQ-9s following combat losses in the Iran conflict.
Why it matters: Rome is backfilling losses while the U.S. looks for something harder to shoot down — the Reaper remains exportable but its operational ceiling is now clear.
Italy's €3.7 billion DDX destroyer contract opens decade of naval spending with submarines and corvettes on horizon
Italy's €3.7 billion DDX destroyer contract awarded to Fincantieri and Leonardo marks the start of a sustained naval spending programme. Planned follow-on procurements include new submarines, corvettes, and a replacement aircraft carrier, pointing to significant industrial opportunities over the next decade.
Lockheed Martin wins $9.4 million contract to upgrade F-35 assembly stations at Italy's Cameri facility
Lockheed Martin will upgrade assembly stations at the F-35 final assembly facility in Cameri, Italy, under a $9.4 million contract modification. The Cameri plant is Europe's only F-35 production site and builds jets for Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.
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Fincantieri cuts steel for ninth and final Italian Navy PPA patrol vessel
Fincantieri cut steel for the ninth Multipurpose Patrol Ship (PPA 9) at its Riva Trigoso shipyard, marking the start of construction on the Italian Navy's final PPA vessel.
Former Italian Navy officer launches Sentiq Defence maritime drone integrator in Liguria
A former Italian Navy mine warfare officer has launched Sentiq Defence, a company based in Bordighera on Italy's Ligurian coast that will supply navies, coast guards, and port and energy operators with uncrewed surface boats, underwater surveillance sonars, remotely operated submersibles, and aerial drones. Sentiq will begin as an integrator of existing systems.