Beyond the Mediterranean: Rationale, Prospects and Burdens of Italy’s Gamble in the Indo-Pacific
“Italy’s engagement has not been limited to the military dimension. Rome has intensified diplomatic, infrastructural, and industrial cooperation with the region’s key actors. With Japan, the strategic partnership was consolidated through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which will lead to the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet in collaboration with the United Kingdom. With India, Italy signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Defence and a five-year Strategic Action Plan, opening new avenues for technological and military collaboration, as well as joining the IMEC partnership in 2023 to build an economic corridor linking the subcontinent to Europe. With Indonesia, important contracts were signed for the supply of eight frigates (later halted) and two PPA patrol vessels (successfully delivered), strengthening Fincantieri’s role as a leading player in the region’s naval market. Meanwhile, Leonardo consolidated its presence in the aerospace and defence sectors through the sale of AW139 helicopters to Australia and ATR 72 MPA aircraft to Malaysia, while new technological collaborations are emerging in South Korea and the Philippines. These initiatives have enhanced Italy’s international credibility.”
“This projection, however, occurs within an incomplete transitional phase. Italy lacks a national Indo-Pacific strategy that defines clear priorities, coherent instruments, and effective institutional coordination…”
Source: Geopolitica – Italy