The Italian Council of Ministers, on the proposal of Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, has approved a bill aimed at strengthening and adapting the country’s national defence capabilities. The legislation provides for a reform of the Defence Staff structure, the development of cyber capabilities, regulation of unmanned systems, support for defence research, and faster procurement procedures. This is only the first step: to enter into force, the bill must be considered and approved by both houses of parliament, where its provisions may still be amended.
The key innovation concerns cyberspace. The Intelligence and Security Directorate of the Defence Staff will be transformed into a Joint Cyber Intelligence Command, while the current position of Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff will be divided into two posts: one responsible for staff activities and the other for operational matters. At the same time, a Joint Combat Training and Hybrid Threat Response Centre will be established to support joint military exercises.
The bill introduces the concept of cyberspace of national importance for defence and establishes the qualification of military cyber specialist, with contracts allowing up to 13 years of service and annual payments for each extension period. The Cybersecurity Incentive Fund will receive €1.57 million in 2027, rising to €15 million annually from 2036. A separate fund of €10 million per year will finance military scientific and technological research, while the state-owned company Difesa Servizi will be authorised to establish companies and acquire stakes in defence-sector enterprises.
European experts note that the document contains no direct reference to Russia. However, the substance of the reform suggests that Rome is taking into account the risks posed by Russian cyberattacks and interference with critical infrastructure, shifting from responding to individual incidents towards building permanent capabilities for sustained confrontation.
