Italy Seeks 54% Increase in F-35 Budget

Italy is seeking parliamentary approval for an additional €7.28 billion for its F-35 program, which would raise the projected total from €13.5 billion to about €20.8 billion. The funding would cover the program from 2027 to 2039, including continued aircraft procurement and expansion of the industrial and technology complex in Cameri; the planned fleet has been reduced from 131 jets to 115. The government cites technological upgrades, revised security needs, inflation and exchange-rate shifts for the higher estimate. The proposal remains under parliamentary review, with committees due to provide assessments by December 13, and parliamentary technical offices have requested more information on issues including industrial relations and export prospects. Opposition lawmakers have criticized the higher spending on a smaller fleet and called for the defense minister to explain the broader defense plan, while some argue the money should instead support public services.