Italy's government has approved a major defense reform that restructures military intelligence, strengthens cyber defense and expands investment in military technology as part of a broader effort to modernize the country's security architecture, reports Decode39.
The bill, approved by the Council of Ministers chaired by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, introduces a Joint Cyber Intelligence Command, replacing the Defense General Staff's current Information and Security Department to better integrate intelligence and cyber operations.
It also establishes a Joint Training Center for Combat and Countering Hybrid Threats to improve the armed forces' ability to respond to cyberattacks, disinformation and other hybrid threats.
Cybersecurity is a central focus of the reform. The legislation designates the Chief of Defense Staff as the Defense Ministry's cyber authority, creates a dedicated military career path for cyber specialists and establishes a Cybersecurity Incentive Fund, which will gradually increase to €15 million a year.
The package also aims to boost defense innovation through a new Military Scientific and Technological Research Investment Fund, which will provide €10 million annually for research and development projects starting in 2026.
The government said the reforms are intended to strengthen Italy's defense capabilities by improving intelligence coordination, accelerating technological innovation and adapting the armed forces to an increasingly complex security environment.
