DEFENCE
Defence Sector Overview
Italy is one of Europe’s key defence and security actors, with advanced domestic capabilities and a strong industrial backbone. The country hosts major players in aerospace, shipbuilding, cyber, digital defence, land systems, intelligence, space, and dual-use technologies, positioning Italy as a central partner for NATO, EU security institutions, and the wider Mediterranean region. With national spending on defence steadily increasing in line with NATO commitments, Italy is accelerating investments in modernization, interoperability, cybersecurity and digital defence resilience, and industrial supply-chain strengthening.
At EU level, Italy is actively engaging with common security and defence instruments, including the European Defence Fund (EDF), PESCO, and the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), as well as new initiatives such as SAFE (Security Action for Europe), aimed at reinforcing Europe’s defence industrial base and reducing critical dependencies. These frameworks provide important entry points for structured cross-border cooperation and joint capability development.
Italy’s Defence Industrial and Technological Base (DITB) is driven by both large conglomerates and highly specialized SMEs. Strategic priorities include digitalization of defence assets, next-generation maritime platforms, modernization of air and space systems, cyber and digital defence infrastructures, and deepening European military autonomy. At the same time, Italy plays a frontline role in maritime security, border protection, and defence diplomacy across the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Eastern Europe – creating a high-demand environment for innovative, reliable defence partners.
Priority Areas for Investment
The Italian government is actively pursuing programs aimed at upgrading critical defence infrastructure and capabilities. Under national and EU frameworks – such as EDF, PESCO, SAFE, and NATO innovation ecosystems – Italy is increasing deployment of dual-use technologies, strengthening cyber and digital defence ecosystems, and scaling AI-enabled and data-driven defence solutions.
In parallel, Italy continues to explore offsetting and industrial cooperation mechanisms in connection with major defence procurements. These mechanisms offer opportunities for structured industrial partnerships, local value creation, technology transfer, and long-term collaboration between Italian and international defence industries, including Danish companies.
These programs seek to boost industrial competitiveness, ensure sovereign resilience in supply chains, and integrate European partners into long-term innovation and capability development pathways.
Key Defence Opportunities for Collaboration
The Embassy’s Defence Team fosters strategic cooperation between Italian and Danish stakeholders in areas where Denmark offers globally recognized capabilities:
- Cybersecurity & Digital Defence: Protection of communications networks, command-and-control systems, critical infrastructure, and defence data across cyber and digital domains.
- Maritime Defence & Naval Innovation: Leveraging Denmark’s naval and maritime expertise to enhance maritime security, ship technologies, situational awareness, and naval digitalization.
- Space & Defence Applications: Cooperation on satellite technologies, space-based surveillance, secure communications, Earth observation, and space-enabled defence and security services.
- Dual-Use Technologies & Emerging Tech: Integration of AI, autonomous systems, robotics, advanced sensors, radars, and secure satellite applications.
- NATO Interoperability & Strategic Supply Chains: Joint innovation, logistics, and industrial cooperation to support alliance readiness and European defence resilience.
Strategic Alliances to Promote Danish Defence Solutions in Italy
Building on existing sector expertise, the Embassy aims to establish targeted initiatives within the Italian defence ecosystem. These initiatives will connect Danish SMEs, technology providers, and research institutions with Italian ministries, procurement bodies, defence primes, and regional industrial clusters.
The objective is to strengthen bilateral partnerships, leverage offsetting and industrial cooperation mechanisms where relevant, and align Danish know-how with Italy’s strategic needs across defence, maritime, space, cyber, digital defence, and dual-use capabilities – while supporting broader EU and NATO objectives.
Contact the Defence Team
The Defence Team supports Danish companies with strategic insights, stakeholder mapping, market access, and public affairs engagement in Italy’s complex defence and security ecosystem. We offer confidential advisory, partnership facilitation, and guidance on navigating government procurement processes and connecting with key Italian public and private stakeholders. For more information and tailored support, please reach out to the Defence Team Advisers Rino Festi and Michela Brunozzi.