Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has urged the country’s arms industry to accelerate weapons production, warning that the worsening global security environment requires faster military preparedness.
Crosetto made the call during an emergency videoconference attended by around 130 participants, including defence industry executives and Chief of Defence Staff General Luciano Portolano.
During the meeting, the minister asked companies to identify operational capabilities, near-completion programmes, and initiatives that could rapidly strengthen Italy’s defence systems, particularly in the area of air defence.
Crosetto stressed the need to reduce bureaucratic obstacles that could slow defence production, saying urgent security needs require faster coordination between the government and the defence industry.
He warned that rising international tensions, especially in the Middle East, could have serious geopolitical and economic consequences for Italy if the country is not adequately prepared.
The minister also emphasized that Italy’s defence ecosystem must work “in close synergy and with speed” to respond effectively to the evolving global security situation.