Italy’s Defense in 2025: Complete Top List of Weapons and Weapon Systems

Italy is renowned for its high-tech and advanced weapon systems that play a central role in both national defense and international operations. Here’s a comprehensive and accessible top list of all the weapons and weapon systems available to the Italian military in 2025. The list ranges from simple handguns to the country’s most advanced fighter jets and aircraft carriers.

#1: Handguns and Personal Weapons (Army)

Italian soldiers are equipped with modern personal weapons such as the service pistols Beretta 92FS and Beretta APX, the assault rifle Beretta ARX160, sniper rifles like Beretta ARX200 and Victrix Pugio, as well as machine guns like FN Minimi and MG42/59.

#2: Anti-Tank Weapons and Missile Systems (Army)

In terms of combating armored targets, Italy has advanced missile systems like Spike MR/LR, Panzerfaust 3, and Instalaza C90, as well as the latest loitering munitions (Hero-30) capable of hovering and striking enemy targets accurately.

#3: Artillery and Mortars (Army)

Italy’s artillery ranges from light mortars (60 mm and 81 mm) to heavy self-propelled howitzers like PzH 2000 and rocket artillery systems such as MLRS-I M270A1, supported by precision munitions like Vulcano.

#4: Armored Vehicles and Tanks (Army)

The armored forces comprise tanks like Ariete, modern tank destroyers (Centauro I and II), infantry fighting vehicles (Dardo, Freccia), armored personnel carriers like VTLM Lince and Puma APC, as well as amphibious vehicles such as AAV7-A1.

#5: Air Defense Systems (Army)

To protect against air attacks, Italy boasts a wide range of air defense systems from the long-range SAMP/T missile system using Aster-30 missiles to short-range defense systems like Skyguard-Aspide and shoulder-fired missiles such as Stinger.

#6: Aircraft and Helicopters (Army)

The army’s airborne units include attack helicopters (Agusta A129 Mangusta), heavy transport helicopters (CH-47F Chinook, NH90 TTH), and various drones like RQ-7B Shadow and Raven used for reconnaissance.

#7: Aircraft Carriers and Amphibious Ships (Navy)

Italy possesses advanced aircraft carriers like Cavour and the new LHD Trieste as well as amphibious assault ships (San Giorgio class) capable of deploying both aircraft and marines effectively.

#8: Destroyers and Frigates (Navy)

The navy’s striking power is based on state-of-the-art destroyers like the Horizon class and advanced FREMM and PPA frigates with strong anti-submarine, anti-ship, and air defense capabilities.

#9: Submarines and Special Vessels (Navy)

Italy has submarines such as the Todaro class (Type 212A with air-independent propulsion) and special mine-clearing vessels (Gaeta class), providing a crucial strategic advantage underwater.

#10: Naval Aircraft (Navy)

Operating from aircraft carriers and frigates, Italy commands advanced aircraft like the F-35B Lightning II as well as maritime helicopters such as the AW101 and NH90 NFH for both anti-submarine operations and rescue missions.

#11: Fighter and Attack Aircraft (Air Force)

Italy fields advanced fighter jets such as Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35A/B Lightning II, as well as tactical attack aircraft like Tornado IDS/ECR, providing the air force with great operational flexibility.

#12: Transport and Special Aircraft (Air Force)

Strategic air transport and refueling are secured with aircraft like KC-767A and C-130J Hercules, while specialized surveillance aircraft like G550 CAEW and electronic warfare aircraft EC-27 Jedi provide critical intelligence capabilities.

#13: Helicopters and UAV (Air Force)

The air force’s helicopter fleet includes specialized CSAR helicopters like HH-101A Caesar and HH-139A for rescue missions, while the UAV fleet comprises modern drones like MQ-9A Predator B, providing surveillance and intelligence from afar.

#14: Air Force Weapon Systems (Air Force)

Finally, Italy boasts advanced weapon systems like Meteor air-to-air missiles, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, JDAM and Paveway bombs, and AARGM anti-radar missiles, which can be deployed effectively against strategic targets.

This top list showcases Italy’s impressive military capabilities – from personal weapons of individual soldiers to world-class aircraft carriers and fighter jets that secure the country’s position as an important NATO partner in 2025.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.