Italian Army

Esercito Italiano Italian Army
Coat of Arms of the Italian Army
Active	27 March 1861 - today
Country	Italy
Allegiance	Italian Republic
Type	Army
Size	105,062 (2012)
Part of	Italian Supreme Defense Council
Garrison/HQ	Rome
Motto(s)	Latin: Salus Rei Publicae Suprema Lex Esto "The safeguard of the republic shall be the supreme law"
March	Parata d'Eroi (Heroes' Parade) by Francesco Pellegrino, 4 Maggio (May 4) by Fulvio Creux
Anniversaries	November 4, National Unity and Armed Forces Day May 4, Army Day
Engagements	Risorgimento War of 1866 First Italo-Abyssinian War Italo-Turkish War World War I Second Italo-Abyssinian War Spanish Civil War Italian invasion of Albania World War II Iraq War War in Afghanistan War on Terrorism
Decorations	3 Cavalier Crosses of the Military Order of Italy 1 Gold Medal of Military Valor 2 Gold Medals of Civil Valor 1 Silver Medal of Civil Valor 1 Silver Medal of Civil Merit
Commanders
President of the Italian Republic	Giorgio Napolitano
Stato Maggiore dell’Esercito (Chief of the Army General Staff)	Generale di C.A. Claudio Graziano
Notable commanders	Giuseppe Garibaldi Armando Diaz Luigi Cadorna Emanuele Filiberto, 2nd Duke of Aosta Enrico Caviglia Ettore Bastico Emilio De Bono Ugo Cavallero Pietro Badoglio Rodolfo Graziani Giovanni Messe
Insignia
Logo

Dardo IFV on exercise in Capo Teulada

The Italian Army (Esercito Italiano) is the ground defence force of the Italian Armed Forces. The army's history dates back to the unification of Italy in the 1850s and 1860s. The army fought in colonial engagements in China, Libya (1911–1912), northern Italy against the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I, Abyssinia before World War II, and in World War II in Albania, Greece, north Africa, Russia and Italy itself. During the Cold War the army prepared itself to defend against a Warsaw Pact invasion from the east. Since the end of the Cold War the army has seen extensive peacekeeping service and combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Its best-known combat vehicles are the Dardo infantry fighting vehicle, the Centauro tank destroyer and the Ariete tank, and among its aircraft the Mangusta attack helicopter, recently deployed in UN missions.

The headquarters of the Army General Staff are located in Rome, opposite the Presidential Palace. The army is an all-volunteer force of active-duty personnel, numbering 105,062 personnel in 2012.

History

The Italian Army originated as the Royal Army (Regio Esercito) which dates from the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy following the seizure of the Papal States and the unification of Italy (Risorgimento). In 1861, under the leadership of Giuseppe Garibaldi, Victor Emmanuel II of the House of Savoy was invited to take the throne of the newly independent kingdom.

Italian expeditions were dispatched to China during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900 and to Libya during the Italo-Turkish War of 1911-1912.

World War I

See also: Italy in World War I and Italian Campaign (World War I)

The Italian Royal Army's first real taste of modern warfare was during World War I. Most of the actions were fought in northern Italy and the Royal Army suffered many casualties. This included over 700,000 dead. In particular, the frequency of the offensives in which Italian soldiers participated between May 1915 and August 1917, one every three months, was higher than demanded by the armies on the Western Front. Italian discipline was also harsher, with punishments for infractions of duty of a severity not known in the German, French, and British armies.

During the Interwar Years the Royal Army participated in the Italian Invasion of Ethiopia, provided men and materials during the Spanish Civil War to fight in the Corps of Volunteer Troops (Corpo Truppe Volontarie), and launched the Italian invasion of Albania.

World War II

See also: Military history of Italy during World War II and Royal Italian Army (1940–1946)

On paper, the Royal Army was one of the largest ground forces in World War II, though in reality it could not field the numbers claimed, and it was one of the pioneers in the use of paratroopers. Due to their generally smaller size, many Italian divisions were reinforced by an Assault Group (Gruppo di Assalto) of two battalions of Blackshirts (MVSN).

Reports of Italian military prowess in the Second World War were, almost always, dismissive. This perception was the result of disastrous Italian offensives against Egypt and the performance of the army in the Greco-Italian War. Both campaigns were ill-prepared and executed inadequately. The Italian 10th Army initially advanced into Egypt but surrendered after being pushed back into central Libya and all but destroyed by a force one fifth its size in the British three-month campaign of Operation Compass.

Incompetent military leadership was aggravated by the Italian military's equipment, which predominantly dated back to the First World War and was not up to the standard of either the Allied or the German armies. Italian 'medium' M11, M13, M14 and M15 tanks were at a marked disadvantage against the comparatively heavily armed American Sherman tanks, for example. More crucially, Italy lacked suitable quantities of equipment of all kinds and the Italian high command did not take necessary steps to plan for possible setbacks on the battlefield, or for proper logistical support to its field armies. There were too few anti-aircraft weapons, obsolete anti-tank guns, and too few trucks.

The Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia fought under General Giovanni Messe, who acknowledged the limitations of his Corps in material and equipment and thus was relieved of his command on November 1, 1942. When the Soviet offensive Operation Saturn began on December 12, 1942 the Italian 8th Army was quickly crushed. Only about a third of its troops managed to escape the Soviet cauldron, most notably from the three Alpini Divisions Tridentina, Julia and Cuneense, which fought stubbornly and to almost their total annihilation to escape the Soviet encirclement (see: Battle of Nikolayevka).

In North Africa, the Italian 132 Armored Division Ariete and the 185 Airborne Division Folgore fought to total annihilation at the Second Battle of El Alamein. Although the battle was lost, the determined resistance of the Italian soldiers at the Battle of Keren in East Africa is still commemorated today by the Italian military.

After the Axis defeat in Tunisia the morale of the Italian troops dropped and when the Allies landed in Sicily on July 10, 1943 most Italian Coastal divisions simply dissolved. The sagging morale led to the overthrow of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini by King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy 15 days later.

In September 1943, Italy made an armistice with the Allies and split into the Italian Social Republic - effectively a puppet state of Germany - in the north and that of the Badoglio government in the south. The Italian Co-Belligerent Army (Esercito Cobelligerante Italiano) was the army of the Italian royalist forces fighting on the side of the Allies in southern Italy after the Allied armistice with Italy in September 1943. The Italians soldiers fighting in this army no longer fought for Benito Mussolini as their allegiance was to King Victor Emmanuel and to Marshal of Italy (Maresciallo d'Italia) Pietro Badoglio, the men who ousted Mussolini.

Cold War

The kingdom was replaced by a Republic in 1946 and the Royal Army changed its name to become the Italian Army (Esercito Italiano). Initially five infantry divisions were active, including the newly renamed Infantry Division Friuli.

Following the creation of NATO, the Italian Army was integrated into NATO's Allied Forces Southern Europe and prepared for a feared invasion from the east, possibly via Yugoslavia. Allied Land Forces Southern Europe (LANDSOUTH), was activated on 10 July 1951 to defend northeastern Italy. The command was headquartered at Verona, and placed under Lieutenant General Maurizio Lazzaro De Castiglioni. Some three infantry divisions and three brigades were the only forces initially available to this command to defend northeastern Italy. The divisions in question were the Mantova Infantry Division in Udine, the Folgore Motorized Infantry Division in Treviso, the Trieste Motorized Infantry Division in Bologna. Two of the three brigades were Alpini mountain infantry brigades - the Julia Alpine Brigade in Cividale del Friuli and Tridentina Alpine Brigade in Brixen, while the third brigade was the Ariete Armoured Brigade in Pordenone. Exercise "Italic Weld", a combined air-naval-ground exercise in northern Italy involving the United States, Italy, Turkey, and Greece, appears to have been one of the first exercises in which the new Italian Army orientation was tested.

Later the Italian Army was divided into the III Army Corps (HQ Milan) (active from 1957), IV Alpine Army Corps (HQ Bolzano) (active from 1952), and V Army Corps (HQ Vittorio Veneto) (active from 1952), plus other units. The most significant reorganization of the Italian Army took place in 1975, when the regimental level was abolished and the battalions came under direct command of newly formed brigades. This reorganization came to an end in 1986 when the remaining four divisional headquarters were dissolved and all brigades in Northern Italy came under direct command of the Army's three Corps there, while the brigades in Central and Southern Italy came under operational control of the local administrative Military Regions.

Structure of the Italian Army in 1984 (click to enlarge)

Post Cold War

Ariete
Garibaldi

Mameli Julia

Vittorio Veneto

#

#
Pozzuolo del Friuli

Brescia

Gorizia

Mantova

Trieste

Aquileia

Centauro

Goito

Legnano

Cremona

Taurinense

Tridentina

Orobica

Cadore

Folgore

Friuli

Acqui

Granatieri di Sardegna

Aosta

Pinerolo

Sassari

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Combat brigades of the Italian Army 1989

At the end of the Cold War in 1989 the Italian Army consisted of 26 Combat Brigades: four Armored Brigades, ten Mechanized Infantry Brigades, five Motorized Infantry Brigades, five Alpine Brigades, one Rocket Artillery Brigade and one Airborne Brigade.

The units were placed as follows under the three Army Corps's:

• 3rd Army Corps (Milan):
  • Armored Brigade Centauro (Novara)
  • Mechanized Brigade Goito (Milan)
  • Mechanized Brigade Legnano (Bergamo)
  • Mechanized Brigade Brescia (Brescia)
  • Mechanized Brigade Trieste (Bologna)
  • Motorized Brigade Cremona (Turin)
• 4th Alpine Army Corps (Bolzano):
  • Alpine Brigade Cadore (Belluno)
  • Alpine Brigade Julia (Udine)
  • Alpine Brigade Orobica (Merano)
  • Alpine Brigade Taurinense (Turin)
  • Alpine Brigade Tridentina (Brixen)
• 5th Army Corps (Vittorio Veneto):
  • Armored Brigade Ariete (Pordenone)
  • Armored Brigade Mameli (Tauriano)
  • Armored Brigade Pozzuolo del Friuli (Palmanova)
  • Mechanized Brigade Vittorio Veneto (Villa Opicina)
  • Mechanized Brigade Garibaldi (Pordenone)
  • Mechanized Brigade Gorizia (Gorizia)
  • Mechanized Brigade Mantova (Cividale del Friuli)
  • 3rd Missile Brigade Aquileia (Portogruaro)

The brigades under operational control of the Military Regions were:

• VII Territorial Military Command (Florence)
  • Parachute Brigade Folgore (Livorno)
  • Motorized Brigade Friuli (Florence)
• VIII Territorial Military Command (Rome)
  • Motorized Brigade Acqui (L'Aquila)
  • Mechanized Brigade Granatieri di Sardegna (Rome)
• X Territorial Military Command (Naples)
  • Mechanized Brigade Pinerolo (Bari)
• XI Territorial Military Command (Palermo)
  • Motorized Brigade Aosta (Messina)
• Autonomous Military Command Sardinia (Cagliari)
  • Motorized Brigade Sassari (Sassari)

Italian soldiers marched during a military parade.

The Armored Brigades consisted of one Command & Signals Battalion, two Tank Battalions with Leopard 1A2 tanks, one Mechanized Infantry Battalion with M113 APCs, one Self-propelled Field Artillery Group with M109 howitzers, one Logistic Battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company.

The Mechanized Brigades consisted of one Command & Signals Battalion, one Tank Battalion (Leopard 1), three Mechanized Infantry Battalions (M113), one Self-propelled Field Artillery Battalion with M109 howitzers, one Logistic Battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; however the Pinerolo Mechanized Brigades fielded a Field Artillery Group with FH-70 howitzers.

The Motorized Brigades consisted of one Command & Signals Battalion, one Armored Battalion (a mixed unit of tanks and mechanized infantry), three Motorized Infantry Battalions, one Field Artillery Group (FH-70), one Logistic Battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; however the Sassari Brigade did not contain the Field Artillery, Logistic and Armored Battalion.

The Folgore Parachute Brigade did field one Command & Signals Battalion, one Parachute Assault Battalion (a Special Forces Unit), three Parachute Infantry Battalions, one Airborne Field Artillery Group with Mod 56 howitzers, one Logistic Battalion, one Army Aviation Helicopter Battalion and an Engineer Company.

Four of the five Alpine Brigades consisted of one Command & Signals Battalion, two Alpini Battalions, one Alpini Training Battalion, two Mountain Artillery Groups (Mod 56), one Logistic Battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; with the Taurinense Brigade fielding one additional Alpini Battalion. The exception was the Julia Alpine Brigade which consisted of one Command & Signals Battalion, four Alpini Battalions, one Alpini d'Arresto Battalion, one Alpini Training Battalion, three Mountain Artillery Battalions, one Logistic Battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company, making the Julia the largest brigade of the Italian Army. The d'Arresto Alpini and Infantry units were designated to hold specific fortified locations directly at the border to slow down an attacking enemy. They were not a maneuver element but attached for training and logistic purposes to brigades stationed closest to the border. Besides the Julia brigade also the Tridentina and Mantova brigades fielded one d'Arresto Battlion each, while the Gorizia brigade fielded two Infantry d'Arresto battalions.

The Missile Brigade Aquileia fielded a mix of heavy artillery and missile units, both capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons. The main missile weapon of the brigade was the MGM-52 Lance missile.

Unit Summary

In total the Italian Army fielded at the end of the Cold War:

Number (Reserve units in brackets)	Unit Type	Equipment	Notes
19	Tank Battalions	Leopard 1A2, M60 Patton	Two battalions per Armored Brigade, one battalion per mechanized brigade.
7 (1)	Armored Battalions	M60 Patton, M113 APC	Armored battalions combined tanks and mechanized infantry and were part of the four Motorized Brigades (the exception was the Sassari Motorized Brigade). One battalion was attached to the 4th Army Corps, one battalion part of the Capital Command in Rome and one a training battalion in Sardinia.
4	Reconnaissance Squadrons		Originally each division had one reconnaissance squadron, with the abolition of the divisional level the squadrons passed to the Army Corps'.
32	Mechanized Infantry	M113 APC	One battalion per Armored Brigade, three battalions per mechanized brigade. The twelve Bersaglieri battalions were without exception mechanized infantry units; the remainder of the mechanized infantry were two Granatieri di Sardegna battalions, sixteen infantry battalions and two cavalry squadrons.
14 (5)	Motorized Infantry		Three battalions per Motorized Brigade (Sassari Motorized Brigade: two battalions; Acqui and Cremona an additional motorized reserve battalion). One active and two reserve motorized battalions were part of the Triest Troop Command, tasked with defending the city in case of a Yugoslavian attack.
13 (1)	Alpini		Two battalions per Alpine Brigade; with the Taurinense fielding an additional battalion, the Tridentina one additional reserve battalion and the Julia brigade fielding a total of four Alpini battalions.
4	Parachute Infantry		One Carabinieri parachute battalion, two infantry parachute battalions and one parachute assault (Special Forces) battalion. Additionally the 4th Army Corps fielded an Alpini parachute Company.
8	d'Arresto		Two Alpini and 6 infantry battalions designated to hold specific fortified sectors of the Eastern Italian border areas.
2	Amphibious Infantry	LVT-7	One amphibious infantry battalion (Lagunari), one amphibious vehicle battalion and one training company tasked with defending Venice under the Amphibious Troop Command.
29	Training Battalions		The training battalions were tasked with the basic training of draftees: four Alpini training battalions trained draftees destined for Alpine units, one parachute infantry battalion trained the parachute brigades recruits, while the remaining 24 battalions, which were all infantry battalions, trained all incoming recruits regardless of which unit they would ultimately be assigned to.
22	Self-Propelled Artillery	M109 howitzers	One group (equivalent to a battalion) per armored and mechanized brigade (with the exception of the Mechanized Brigade Pinerolo), one in the Aquileia brigade, three groups in one regiment under 3rd Army Corps, one group under 4th Alpine Army Corps, two groups under 5th Army Corps, one group under the Army's artillery school in Rome and one training group in Sardinia.
7	Field Artillery	M114 howitzers	One group per motorized brigade (with the exception of the Sassari Motorized Briagde), one group under Mechanized Brigade Pinerolo, one group under the Triest Troop Command and one group under the Army's Artillery School.
11	Mountain Artillery	Mod 56 howitzers	Two groups per Alpine Brigade, with the Julia Alpine Brigade fielding and additional group.
1	Airborne Artillery	Mod 56 howitzers	One airborne field artillery group as part of the Folgore Parachute Brigade.
10 (2)	Heavy Field Artillery	FH-70 howitzers	Heavy Field Artillery groups served as Corps Artillery and in Southern Italy as Artillery reserve of the Meridional Military Region Command in Naples: two under 3rd Army Corps, three groups (one reserve) in one regiment under 4th Alpine Army Corps, three groups (one reserve) under 5th Army Corps, two groups under Meridional Military Region.
3	Heavy Self-Propelled Artillery	M107 howitzers M110 howitzers	The three heavy self-propelled artillery groups were capable of firing tactical nuclear ammunition.
1	Missile Artillery	MGM-52 Lance later M270 MLRS	The only missile artillery group of the Army was capable to firing tactical nuclear missiles.
8	Target Acquisition		Seven Specialist Artillery Groups with artillery radars supporting the heavy field artillery groups and one Target Acquisition group supporting the Missile Brigade Aquileia
5 (5)	Light Air-defense Artillery	FIM-92 Stinger	All active and two of the reserve groups under operational control of the Army's Air-defense Artillery Command; the other three reserve groups under the three Army Corps.
4	Air-defense Missile Artillery	MIM-23 Hawk	Grouped in two regiments under operational control of the Army's Air-defense Artillery Command.
2	Mining Battalions		The mining battalions were tasked with building and maintaining the static defenses (mainly bunkers) along the borders.
16	Engineer Battalions		The Engineer battalions were under the Army Corps' and the Military Regional Commands; 25 Engineer companies supported the combat brigades. Two battalions were railway engineers and three battalions were bridge Engineers, which were grouped into two regiments under the Army's Engineer Inspectorate.
5	Reconnaissance Helicopter	AB 206 A109 EOA
6	Transport Helicopter	AB 412 CH-47 Chinook	Two Medium Transport Helicopter Squadrons flying CH-47 Chinook Helicopters in Viterbo and four Medium Helicopter Squadrons flying AB 412 helicopters.
9	General Aviation	AB 205 AB 212 AB 412	The nine Light Army Aviation Squadrons were dispersed all over the nation and supported various regional commands as well as the three Army Corps.
17	Signal Battalions
3	Electronic Warfare Battalions
1	NBC-defense Battalion
24	Logistic Battalions		One logistic battalion per combat brigade; with the exception of the Sassari and the Aquileia brigades.
8	Logistic Maneuver Battalions		The logistic maneuver battalions ensured the mobility and logistic support of the Army's three Corps Commands and Aquileia missile brigade.
29	Command and Signal Battalions		One command and signals battalion per brigade, as well as one battalion for the Triest Troop Command, one battalion for the Amphibious Troop Command and one for the Army's Air-defense Artillery Command.

Additionally the Army fielded 25 Anti-tank companies, one in each combat brigade.

1991 reform

In 1991 the Army began the post-Cold War draw-down of its forces with the disbandment of seven brigades and a large number of smaller units. The brigades disbanded in 1991 were the Aquileia, Brescia, Goito, Mameli, Orobica, Trieste and Vittorio Veneto. The units subordinated to these brigades were mostly disbanded, while the Garibaldi brigade command was transferred with one of its battalions to Campania.

1997 reform

With the relaxing military situation the Italian Army kept drawing down forces and disbanding smaller military units, which necessitated a major reorganization by 1997 to merge the remaining battalions into coherent units and to disband now superfluous brigade commands. Thus a further six brigades were disbanded during the latter half of 1996 and 1997: Acqui, Cadore, Cremona, Gorizia, Legnano and Mantova. In addition the remaining units were moved to new bases, changed composition, designation and tasks. The three Army Corps's were renamed and their functions expanded: the 3rd Army Corps became the Projection Forces Command (COMFOP) commanding the rapid reaction forces of the Army, the 4th Alpine Army Corps became the Alpine Troops Command (COMALP) focusing on peace-keeping operations and the 5th Army Corps became the 1st Defense Forces Command (COMFOD1) tasked with defending Northern Italy. On January 1, 1998 the 2nd Defense Forces Command (COMFOD2) was activated in Naples and tasked with defending South and Central Italy. During the Cold War the Italian Army units were to be commanded during war by NATO's LANDSOUTH Command in Verona, on October 1, 1997 out of elements of the aforementioned NATO Command the new Operational Terrestrial Forces Command (COMFOTER) was activated. The COMFOTER took command of all the combat, combat support, combat service support and CIS units of the Italian Army. Along with the COMFOTER in Verona a Support Command (COMSUP) was raised in Treviso, which gained operational control of all the remaining combat support, combat service support and CIS units of the Army. The COMSUP controlled three division sized formation (Army Aviation Command, Air-Defense Artillery Command, C4-IEW Command) and three brigade sized formations (Field Artillery Brigade, Engineer Brigade, Logistic Support Command).

Thus after the 1997 reform the structure of the Italian Army was as follows:

• COMFOTER (Verona):
  • COMFOP (Milan):
    • Parachute Infantry Brigade Folgore (Livorno)
    • Mechanized Infantry Brigade Friuli (Bologna)
    • Bersaglieri Brigade Garibaldi (Caserta)
  • COMALP (Bolzano):
    • Alpine Brigade Julia (Udine)
    • Alpine Brigade Taurinense (Turin)
    • Alpine Brigade Tridentina (Brixen)
  • COMFOD 1 (Vittorio Veneto):
    • Armored Brigade Ariete (Pordenone)
    • Mechanized Infantry Brigade Centauro (Novara)
    • Cavalry Brigade Pozzuolo del Friuli (Gorizia)
  • COMFOD 2 (Naples):
    • Mechanized Infantry Brigade Aosta (Messina)
    • Mechanized Infantry Brigade Granatieri di Sardegna (Rome)
    • Armored Brigade Pinerlo (Bari)
    • Mechanized Infantry Brigade Sassari (Sassari)
  • COMSUP (Treviso):
    • Army Aviation Command (Viterbo)
    • Air-Defense Artillery Command (Padua)
    • C4-IEW Command (Anzio)
    • Field Artillery Brigade (Portogruaro)
    • Engineer Brigade (Udine)
    • Logistic Support Command (Udine)

2002 reform

Alpini of the 7th Alpini Regiment during the Falzarego 2011 exercise

Between 1997 and 2002 the Army continued to tweak the new structure and with the abolition of obligatory military service a further two brigades (Centauro, Tridentina) were disbanded in 2002. On December 1, 2000 the COMFOP became the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy (NRDC-IT) and passed its subordinate units to the COMFOD 1 (Friuli, Folgore) and COMFOD 2 (Garibaldi) commands. The Friuli Brigade changed composition and became an airmobile brigade with Army Aviation, Cavalry and Infantry units. The COMSUP had already been reorganized and streamlined in 2000.

After 2002 the structure of the Italian Army was as follows:

• COMFOTER (Verona):
  • NRDC-IT (Milan):
    • NRDC-IT Signal Brigade (Milan)
  • COMALP (Bolzano):
    • Alpine Brigade Julia (Udine)
    • Alpine Brigade Taurinense (Turin)
  • COMFOD 1 (Vittorio Veneto):
    • Armored Brigade Ariete (Pordenone)
    • Parachute Infantry Brigade Folgore (Livorno)
    • Airmobile Brigade Friuli (Bologna)
    • Cavalry Brigade Pozzuolo del Friuli (Gorizia)
  • COMFOD 2 (Naples):
    • Mechanized Infantry Brigade Aosta (Messina)
    • Bersaglieri Brigade Garibaldi (Caserta)
    • Mechanized Infantry Brigade Granatieri di Sardegna (Rome)
    • Armored Brigade Pinerlo (Bari)
    • Mechanized Infantry Brigade Sassari (Sassari)
  • C4-IEW Command (Anzio)
  • COMSUP (Treviso):
    • Air-Defense Brigade (Padua)
    • Air Cavalry Command (Viterbo)
    • Field Artillery Brigade (Portogruaro)
    • Engineer Brigade (Udine)
    • Logistic Projection Brigade (Udine)

2011 reform

During 2011 some small changes regarding the support units of the Army were enacted. The COMSUP took command of the Armys schools and merged them where possible with the support brigades. Minor units were moved South and to the island to reduce the Armys footprint in the wealthier North of Italy. At the same time the designation of the Pinerolo brigade was changed back to Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Afterwards the COMSUP consisted, besides four Army schools of the following commands:

• Air-Defense Command (Sabaudia)
• Artillery Command (Bracciano)
• Engineer Command (Rome)
• Logistic Projection Command (Rome)

2013 reform

In 2013 the Army began a major reform. The three corps level commands COMFOD 1, COMFOD 2 and COMALP were disbanded and the Mantova Division Command moved from Vittorio Veneto to Florence, where it was renamed as Friuli Division Command, taking the name and traditions of the Friuli Air Assault Brigade. Together with the other two division commands Acqui and Tridentina it took command of the operational brigades of the Italian Army. At the same time two brigades - Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade and Granatieri di Sardegna Mechanized Brigade were disbanded, leaving the Army with nine operational combat brigades. The Pozzuolo del Friuli name and traditions will given to the Friuli Air Assault Brigade in January 2014.

Also in 2013 the Artillery Command and Engineer Command merged to create the Operational Support Command, while the Logistic Projection Command was disbanded and its units transferred to the brigades. As part of the reform the Army created the new Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE) in Pisa, which took command of all Special Operations Forces of the Army.

Furthermore the Operational Terrestrial Forces Command (COMFOTER) in Verona will disband by 2015 and the three divisions come under the newly raised Army Operational Center (Centro Operativo dell’Esercito or COE) in Rome.

At the end of the reform (2016) the Army will consist of:

• 2x heavy brigades (Ariete, Garibaldi) armed with, Centauro tank destroyers, Ariete tanks, Dardo infantry fighting vehicles and PzH2000 self propelled artillery;
• 2x medium brigades (Aosta, Pinerolo) armed with Centauros, Freccia infantry fighting vehicles;
• 4x light brigades (Folgore, Julia, Taurinense, Sassari) armed with Centauros, Puma armoured personnel carriers and FH-70 towed artillery;
• 1x air-assault brigade (Pozzuolo del Friuli Brigade) with Centauros, Pumas, A129 Mangusta attack and NH90 transport helicopters;

Each maneuver brigade, with the exception of the Pozzuolo del Friuli and Sassari brigades, will field the following units after the reform: one combat service support battalion with the brigade staff, one cavalry reconnaissance regiment, three combat maneuver regiments, one artillery regiment, one engineer regiment, one logistic regiment.

The Pozzuolo del Friuli brigade will field an army aviation reconnaissance helicopter regiment, a cavalry reconnaissance regiment, an attack helicopter regiment, an air-assault infantry regiment, an amphibious infantry regiment, an engineer regiment, a logistic regiment as well as the standard combat service support battalion with the brigade staff.

The Sassari brigade might not field the cavalry reconnaissance regiment and artillery regiment, unless funds can be found to transfer a cavalry and an artillery regiment to the island of Sardinia.

All army schools, training regiments and training centres will be combined into the newly raised Army Formation, Specialisation and Doctrine Command (Comando per la Formazione, Specializzazione e Dottrina e dell’Esercito or COMFORDOT) in Rome.

Operations

The Italian Army has participated in operations to aid to populations hit by natural disasters. It has, moreover, supplied a remarkable contribution to the forces of police for the control of the territory of the province of Bolzano/Bozen (1967), in Sardinia ("Forza Paris" 1992), in Sicily ("Vespri Siciliani"1992) and in Calabria (1994). Currently, it protects sensitive objects and places throughout the national territory ("Operazione Domino") since the September 11 attacks in the United States. The army is also engaged in Missions abroad under the aegis of the UN, the NATO, and of Multinational forces, such as Beirut in Lebanon (1982), Namibia (1989), Albania (1991), Kurdistan (1991), Somalia (1992), Mozambique (1993), Bosnia (1995), East Timor and Kosovo (both in 1999), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2001), Darfur (2003), Afghanistan (2002), Iraq (2003) and Lebanon again (2006) (in fact during the period between 1980 and 2009, Italy was the third major world contributor (after USA and UK) in peacekeeping missions).

The Carabinieri, once the senior corps of the Army, is now an autonomous armed force (alongside the Army, Navy and Air Force). The Carabinieri provide military police services to all the Italian armed force.

Command structure

The Armed Forces of Italy are under the command of the Italian Supreme Defense Council, presided over by the President of the Italian Republic.

Operational forces

See also: Operational Structure of the Italian Army and List of active units of the Italian Army

Aosta

Ariete

Folgore

Pozzuolo del Friuli

Garibaldi

Julia

Pinerolo

Sassari

Taurinense

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Combat brigades of the Italian Army 2015

Structure of the Italian Army from 2015 (click to enlarge or see: Operational Structure of the Italian Army)

Soldier from the Folgore Parachute Brigade

Soldiers of the “Sassari” Brigade

COMFOTER has direct command of a NATO rapid reaction Corps Command, the NATO Rapid Deployable Italian Corps, support commands, including the Army Aviation, the Army Communication and Transmission Command and of three divisions, which between them command the actual 9 Italian combat brigades. The attached units are in detail:

Combat brigades

Name	Headquarters	Subunits
File:CoA of the Aosta Battalion.svg Mechanized Brigade Aosta	Messina (Sicily)	one cavalry regiment, two infantry regiments, one Bersaglieri regiment, one engineer regiment, one logistic regiment, one combat service support battalion
Armored Brigade Ariete	Pordenone (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)	one cavalry regiment, two tank regiments, one Bersaglieri regiment, one self-propelled artillery regiment, one engineer regiment, one logistic regiment, one combat service support battalion
Parachute Brigade Folgore	Livorno (Tuscany)	one cavalry regiment, three parachute infantry regiments, one airborne artillery regiment, one engineer regiment, one logistic regiment, one combat service support battalion, the Parachutist Training Center
Pozzuolo del Friuli Brigade	Bologna (Emilia-Romagna)	one cavalry regiment, one air-assault infantry regiment, one amphibious assault infantry regiment, two Army Aviation helicopter regiments, one logistic regiment, one combat service support battalion
Bersaglieri Brigade Garibaldi	Caserta (Campania)	one cavalry regiment, one tank regiment, two Bersaglieri regiments, one self-propelled artillery regiment, one engineer regiment, one logistic regiment, one combat service support battalion
Alpine Brigade Julia	Udine (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)	one cavalry regiment, three Alpini regiments, one field artillery regiment, one engineer regiment, one logistic regiment, one combat service support battalion
Mechanized Brigade Pinerolo	Bari (Apulia)	one cavalry regiment (from Granatieri Brigade), two infantry regiments, one Bersaglieri regiment, one engineer regiment, one logistic regiment, one combat service support battalion
Mechanized Brigade Sassari	Sassari (Sardinia)	two infantry regiments, one Bersaglieri regiment, one engineer regiment, one logistic regiment, one combat service support battalion
Alpine Brigade Taurinense	Turin (Piedmont)	one cavalry regiment, three Alpini regiments, one field artillery regiment, one engineer regiment, one logistic regiment, one combat service support battalion

Support Commands

Name	Headquarters	Subunits
Operational Support Command	Rome (Lazio)	one MLRS artillery, one self-propelled artillery, one NBC-defense and three engineer regiments.
Air-defense Command	Sabaudia (Lazio)	one air-defense training and three air-defense regiments.
Army Aviation Command	Viterbo (Lazio)	Army Aviation Brigade with three helicopter regiments, and one fixed wing squadron Army Aviation Instruction Center with two helicopter squadrons Army Aviation Material Department with four aviation support regiments
Signal and Information Command	Anzio (Lazio)	Signal Brigade with seven signal regiments (two battalions per regiment) and one support battalion ISTAR & Electronic Warfare Brigade with one EW regiment, one ISTAR regiment, one human intelligence battalion and one support battalion

Effective operational capability

Collar patches worn by soldiers of the Italian Army.

All brigades may be deployed outside Italy and are often involved in peace-keeping operations on foreign soil. The brigades are combat brigades, numbering between 3–5,000 troops each. Units are designated as regiments, but field men and equipment comparable to large battalions and consist of a large Command, Logistics, and Support Company plus a combat battalion, which, in the case of light infantry units (Alpini, Lagunari and 66th Air-mobile Infantry Regiment Trieste), consists of:

• 3 Infantry companies
• 1 Mortar company with 120mm mortars
• 1 Anti-tank company with Spike anti-tank guided missile systems

In the mechanized infantry units (including Bersaglieri and Granatieri) the mortar and anti-tank companies are merged into a "Manoeuver Support Company", while the paracadutisti regiments field a "Maneuver and Paracadutisti Special Forces Operations Support Company".

Equipment

Weapons

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Weapons
Beretta 92FS	Italy	9 x 19 mm pistol	24,000		in service since 1978 830 delivered in 2008 7,000 delivered in 2010
Beretta AR70/90	Italy	5.56 mm assault rifle	120,000		Totally 105,000 AR/SC70/90 and 15,000 SCS70/90 500 SC70/90 delivered in 2008
Beretta ARX 160	Italy	5.56 mm assault rifle	25,000		92 - Soldato Futuro batch, in 2007 800 delivered in 2008 12,026 delivered in 2010 600 (SF version, 9SFCM) delivered in 2010 300 (SF version, 9SFCM) delivered in 2011 7,301 delivered in 2011 at least 2,726 delivered in 2012
Beretta GLX-160	Italy	Grenade launcher			200 delivered in 2007 2,100 delivered in 2009 150 delivered in 2011 at least 2,726 delivered in 2012
Franchi LF-57	Italy	9 x 19 mm Submachine gun	13,500
Franchi SPAS-15	Italy	12 Gauge Shotgun	2,000		delivered since 1999
Sako TRG-42	Italy	.338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle
Tirrena T-148/B	Italy	Flamethrower
Minimi	Belgium Italy	5.56 mm light machine gun	3,000
Beretta MG 42/59 - MG3	Germany Italy	7.62 mm NATO machine gun	30,000		licensed build by Beretta, Whitehead Motofides and Franchi, since 1959
M2 Browning	United States	12.7 mm NATO machine gun

Combat knives

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Combat knives
BM 59	Italy	Bayonet
Extrema Ratio Fulcrum	Italy	Bayonet

Personal equipment

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Personal equipment
Aramid helmet	Italy	helmet			4,000 delivered in 2007 6,000 delivered in 2008 12,170 delivered in 2009 (new model) 6,600 delivered in 2010 (new model) 10,370 delivered in 2011
LBA Aramid helmet	United Kingdom	helmet			136 delivered in 2012, with IIIA-Mach II protection
NC4/09	Italy	bulletproof vest			5,131 delivered in 2009 8,288 delivered in 2011 6,785 delivered in 2012
AP98	Italy	bulletproof vest			4,000 delivered in 2007 43,500 delivered in 2008 10,000 delivered in 2009 30,000 delivered in 2010
Pezt Protech 5200	Italy	bulletproof vest			30 delivered in 2008 120 delivered in 2009
NFM Delta Body Armour	United States	bulletproof vest			51 delivered in 2008
LBA	United States	bulletproof vest			50 delivered in 2009
Special equipment
T10C	United States Italy	Parachute			Aero Sekur licenced build not steerable parachute on 5 August 2003, awarded a contract for 1895 Parachutes type MIRPS, MC1-1C and T10-C, for about 4 million Euros
MC1-1B/C	United States Italy	Parachute			Steerable parachute; Aero Sekur licenced build
T10R MIRSP	United States Italy	Parachute			Reserve parachute; Aero Sekur licenced build
Para-Flite MT-1XX	United States	Parachute			HAHO/HALO-TCL parachute
Raven G-12	United States	Cargo Parachute			2,2000 pounds cargo parachute 430 delivered in 2011
26 foot	United States	Cargo Parachute			2,2000 pounds high-velocity cargo parachute 70 delivered in 2011
OMG Caimano MK4	Italy	Rebreather

NBCR systems

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
NBCR Systems
Aero Sekur M90	Italy	NBCR mask			On 21 October 2003 awarded a contract for 63.000 Mod. M90 NBCR masks, with delivery within summer 2004 for about 5,5 million Euros
NBCR individual vest	Italy	NBCR vest			14,000 delivery in 2008 21,000 delivery in 2009 4,004 delivery in 2012 2,726 delivery between 2012 and 2014, for Sistema Individuale di Combattimento
Canberra AN/PDR-77	United States	Radiation detection system			1,300 system updated in 2012

Night sight systems

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Night sight systems
AN/PVS-21	United States	NVG	2,860		489 ordered in 2003 $8.9 million order, in 2004, for approximately 500 systems $15.3 million contract for delivery, in 2006/2007, 900 systems $16.0 million order in 2008 (for estimated 950 systems) 23 delivered in 2012 (403,522 Euros)
AN/PVS-18	United States	NVG			M983 delivered by FM CASE
AN/PVS-15	United States	NVG			M953 delivered by FM CASE
AN/PVS-7B/D	United States	NVG
i-Aware TM-NVG	United States	NVG	3,284		558 delivered in 2013/2014 2,726 ordered in 2014 1,537 planned into the same contract
Insight Tecnologyes MUM-2	United States	Night Vision Monocular			21 delivered in 2009 54 delivered in 2011 1.010 delivered in 2012
AN/PAS-13B(V3)	United States	Thermal weapon sight			for use with heavy weapons; delivered by FM CASE too 36 delivered in 2008 for use with Minimi 7,62 mm 299 delivered in 2009 174 delivered in 2011
Officine Galileo VTG-120	Italy	Thermal imaging system			for use with TOW and MILAN launchers
Officine Galileo VTG-240	Italy	Thermal imaging system			for use with TOW and MILAN launchers 480 approved in 1999 125 approved in 1999
Raytheon W1000-15	United States	Thermal imaging system			for use with support weapons 11 almost
SIMRAD KN250F	United States	Night sighting system			for use with Panzerfaust-3 and others squad weapons 100 delivered in 2009
Sagem MATIS	France	Thermal imaging system			HH medium range system; MP long range system about 1,200 systems delivered
Thales Sophie MP	France	Thermal imaging system			long range system 2 delivered in 2007 73 delivered in 2008 5 delivered in 2009 35 delivered in 2011 31 delivered in 2012
Elbit CORAL CR	Israel	Thermal imaging system			5 delivered in 2008 5 delivered in 2009 30 delivered in 2011

Hand grenade

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Hand grenade
MF2000	Italy	grenade	100,000		new model delivered since 2013; 110.000 pieces per year
SRCM Mod. 35	Italy	grenade	millions		838.862 since 2012; production halted for new MF2000
La Precisa OD-82	Italy	grenade	47.000		47.000 delivered to end '80s. Production halted

Anti-tank, anti-structure and anti-air weapons

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Anti-tank, anti-structure and anti-air weapons
Panzerfaust 3	Germany	Anti-tank rocket launcher	2,000		2,000 launchers with 17.000 rockets, delivered since middle '90s 7,100 Panzerfaust 3-T (PZF3-T) rockets, delivered in 2007 1,100 Panzerfaust 3-T (PZF3-T) rockets, delivered in 2008 2,616 Panzerfaust 3-T rockets (PZF3-T), delivered in 2009 832 Bunkerfaust rockets, delivered in 2011 1,066 Panzerfaust 3-T (PZF3-T) rockets, delivered in 2011
Breda Folgore	Italy	Recoilless Anti-tank weapon	800		assigned, since 1986, to logistic and support units
MILAN 2T	France Germany United Kingdom Italy	Anti-tank guided missile	714		being replaced by Spike 714 launchers with 17.163 missile delivered within 1990 (SIPRI) 2.000 missiles F2A ordered in 2000 807 MILAN ordered in 2004 and delivered in 2005, of which 427 F2A and 380 F1 (SIPRI)
TOW II	United States	Anti-tank guided missile	432		being replaced by Spike total 432 launchers 5.000 BGM-71 missiles and 130 launchers delivered in 1974 10.000 missiles delivered in 1976-1978 2.311 ITOW delivered in 1982-1984 6.629 BGM-71C ITOW delivered in 1986-1989 for 67 million dollars (of witch 1.239 practice missiles) 1.440 BGM-71D TOWII for AW-129 Mangusta combat helicopters, delivered in 1990-1996 (SIPRI)
Spike MR/LR	Israel Italy	Anti-tank guided missile	173		first contract for Italian Army was in 2003 for 53,6 million Euros: 53 launchers and 510 missile (165 of which 165 MR) second contract in 2009, 120 million Euros: 90 launchers (84 for Italian Army, 6 for Italian Navy) and 990 missile LR, of which 110 for Navy: inside 21 launchers for the VTLM Lince, 20 LR launchers for the Dardo IFV, 28 indoor and 39 outdoor training systems 36 LR launchers with unknown number LR/ER missiles was inside the 2006's contract for the IVECO VBM 8X8 Freccia In 2010 Italian Army buys 800 Spyke ER for 63 millions Euro, to update AW-129 Mangusta combat helicopters, in delivering since 2010 to 2014 Is expected almost another batch (post 2016) for 175 launchers and 2.002 missiles (SIPRI 2013)

Special Forces issue

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Special Forces issue
Glock 17	Austria	9 x 19 mm pistol
Glock 19	Austria	9 x 19 mm pistol
Heckler & Koch MP5	Germany	9 x 19 mm Submachine gun			4 delivered in 2007 262 delivered in 2009
Heckler & Koch MP7	Germany	4.6x30 Submachine gun
HK416	Germany	5.56 mm assault rifle
M4 Carbine	United States	5.56 mm assault rifle	about 2,000		1 delivered in 2007 166 delivered in 2008, model SOPMOD 202 delivered in 2009 250 delivered in 2010 202 delivered in 2011, model SOPMOD
Benelli M4 Super 90	Italy	12 Gauge Shotgun
Beretta RS202	Italy	12 Gauge Shotgun
FN P90	Belgium	5.7x28mm Submachine gun
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare PSG-90	United Kingdom	7.62 mm sniper rifle
Accuracy International AWM	United Kingdom	.338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle
Barrett M82A1	United States	12.7 mm NATO sniper rifle		File:M82A1 barrett.jpeg
Barrett M107	United States	12.7 mm NATO sniper rifle			36 delivered in 2007
Stoner SR-25	United States	12.7 mm NATO sniper rifle			24 delivered in 2007 4 delivered in 2009
Chey Tac Mod.200	United States	10.36 mm sniper rifle			12 delivered in 2007
M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System	United States	7.62 mm NATO sniper rifle			4 delivered in 2009 4 delivered in 2012
M203	United States	40mm grenade grenade launcher			141 delivered in 2007 20 delivered in 2008 141 delivered in 2010
Minimi	Belgium Italy	7.62 mm light machine gun			36 delivered in 2008 2 delivered in 2009 3 delivered in 2011 6 delivered in 2012
Mk 19 grenade launcher	United States	40mm grenade grenade launcher			45 delivered in 2012
Mk 47 grenade launcher Mk 47 automatic grenade launcher	United States	40mm grenade grenade launcher			4 delivered in 2009 4 delivered in 2012
LAW M72A5	United States	Anti-tank rocket launcher			260 delivered since 2007 9 delivered in 2009

Combat vehicles

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Armoured vehicles
Ariete	Italy	Main battle tank	200		160 to update in 45 PSO, 105 WAR configuration and 10 for training
Centauro	Italy	Tank destroyer	400		300 in service (to be reduced to 136), 100 in reserve
Dardo	Italy	Infantry fighting vehicle	200		150 to update in 45 PSO, 105 WAR configuration
Freccia	Italy	Infantry fighting vehicle	253		First batch ordered in 2007 for deliver, within 2016, 172 standard IFV, 36 anti-tank witk Spyke missile, 20 command post, 21 mortar carrier and 4 tactital ambulance, for a total cost of about 1.500 million Euros
M113/M113A1	United States Italy	Armoured personnel carrier	1,000+		licensed build by OTO Melara: 2,400 M-113, 270 M-113 TOW (M233), 6 M688 (Lance ramp), 6 M572 (Lance transport), 560 VCC-1 Camillino, 1,230 VCC-2 (update version for conversion originals M-113) 1994 status: 560 VCC-1 Camillino, 1,230 VCC-2, 200 M113TOW (M233), 140 M-113 ammo-carrier for SIDAM The VCC-1/VCC-2, 700 in service in 2014, being phased out
M106	United States Italy	mortar carrier	200		420 licensed build by OTO Melara: M-125 version with Mod. 62 81 mm mortar; M-106 mortar weapon carrier with Mod. 63 120 mm mortar 1994 status: 200 M-106 mortar carrier
M577	United States Italy	Armoured personnel carrier	200		licensed build by OTO Melara:
M548	United States Italy	Armoured personnel carrier	210		licensed build by OTO Melara:
Bandvagn 206S	Sweden	Armoured personnel carrier	260		90 BV-206 in service since 1985/1986 others 70 BV-206 in service since end of '80s almost 60 BV-206 update to diesel variant between 1999 and 2000; almost 40 BV-206 update to diesel variant with 2003 year Alvis contract 112 BV-206S7 armoured version, acquired between 2002 and 2008 46 BV-206D special version acquired between 2002 and 2008 (command post, SAR, TOW, ambulance, fuel transport)
Puma 6x6	Italy	Armoured personnel carrier	250
Puma 4x4	Italy	Armoured reconnaissance vehicle	330		in 2013, 2 donated to Argentina in 2013, 20 donated to Libya in 2014, 3 donated to Gibuti
Orso 4X4	Italy	Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected	56		40 IVECO VTMM Orso 4X4 RCP (Route Clearance Package), with 25 options, ordered in 2011 for delivery since 2013 (120 million Euros) 16 IVECO VTMM Orso 4X4 Ambulance ordered in 2009, delivered within 2014
Cougar HE	United States	Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected	12		since 2008, in Afghanistan theater
Buffalo	United States	Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected	7		since 2008, in Afghanistan theater
International MaxxPro	United States	Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected	24		since 2011, in Afghanistan theater
VM90/Armored VM90	Italy	Infantry mobility vehicle	2,000		84 VM90T3 delivered in 2006 96 VM90T3 delivered in 2007 18 VM90T3 delivered in 2008 3 VM90 Ambulance delivered in 2008 113 VM90T3 delivered in 2009 30 VM90T3 delivered in 2010 30 VM90T3 delivered in 2011 12 VM90 Ambulance delivered in 2011 121 VM90T3 delivered in 2012 241 VM90T3 ordered in 2013 2 VM90T3 fire-fighting version, ordered in 2013 341 VM90T3 planned in 2014
VTLM Lince	Italy	Infantry mobility vehicle	1,700		30 VTLM + 30 VTLM not armoured, for 16,8 million Euros, ordered in 2003 1.153 VTLM, for 335 million Euros, ordered in 2004, for deliver within July 2011 (81 with Hitrole Light) in 2007 ordered update of 32 VTLM, to transform in Spyke missile launcher, for 3,9 million Euros 35 VTLM tactical ambulance, ordered in 2006/2007, for 19,9 million Euros 5 VTLM delivered in 2009 103 VTLM delivered in 2010 10 VTLM tactical ambulance, delivered in 2010 1 VTLM-1A delivered in 2010 139 VTLM-1A delivered in 2011 (on 364 total planned for 2011/2012) 5 VTLM-1A delivered in 2012 25 VTLM-1A tactical ambulance, delivered in 2012 479 VTLM-1A planned between 2012 and 2014, for 202 million Euros (60 with Hitrole Light)
AR90	United Kingdom	Light armoured car	2,700		in service since begin '90
Land Rover VAV90 / Defender 90 WMIK	United Kingdom	Light armoured car	50		Weapons Mounted Installation Kit, version with 12.7mm machine gun or 40mm grenade launcher, for special forces
VAB NBC	France	Armoured reconnaissance-patrol vehicle	15		ex France Army, then updated
AAV7-A1	United States	Amphibious assault vehicle	17		15 AAVP-7 + 1 AAVC-7 + 1 AAVR-7, all in Lagunari Regiment

Artillery

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Artillery
PzH 2000	Germany Italy	Self-propelled Howitzer	70		licensed build by OTO Melara
Oto Melara M109L	United States Italy	Self-propelled Howitzer	96		250 licensed build by OTO Melara; in 2013 being phased out.
FH-70	United Kingdom Italy Germany	Towed howitzer	72		164 in service since 1982
OTO Melara Mod 56	Italy	Towed howitzer	20 +		330 in service since '60; withdrawn and then redeployed only for 2/3 batteries
MLRS	United Kingdom Italy Germany France United States	Multiple rocket launcher	21		Originally delivered 22; since 2012 only 21 on update to GMLRS configuration 216 GMLRS rockets ordered in 2011 (delivery in 2012)

Mortars

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Mortars
120mm F1	France	Mortar	525		only 139 Thomson MO-120-RT-F1 (delivered since 1998; 6 delivered in 2009) others all Thomson-Brandt Mod. 63
81 mm	Italy	Mortar	271		planned in 2010 for 22,3 Euro millions to replace oldest 253 Mod. 62 81 mm mortar, be phased out 28 delivered in 2011 98 balistic computers delivery in 2012
Hirtenberger M6C-210	Austria	Mortar	320		delivered between 2002 and 2003, for 5,4 Euro millions

Air-defence

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Air-defence
SIDAM 25	Italy	Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon	275		in service since 1987
Skyguard	Italy	SAM System	24		in service since 1992
SAMP/T	France Italy	SAM System	5 batteries		FOC since 10 march 2014 In 2009 ordered 214 Aster 30 missiles for Esercito e Marina
MIM-23 Hawk	United States	SAM System	4 batteries		16 batteries since 1963 (with 6 launchers and 18 missiles ready, each one); on phased out
FIM-92 Stinger	United States	Man-portable air-defense systems	145		in service since 1987 delivered 145 launchers and about 675 missiles

Engineering vehicles

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Engineering vehicles
Bergepanzer	Germany Italy	Armoured recovery vehicle	136		67 licensed build by OTO Melara, since 1971
Pionierpanzer	Germany Italy	Armoured engineer vehicle	40		28 licensed build by OTO Melara, since 1985
Biber	Germany Italy	Armoured vehicle-launched bridge	16		64 delivered; all licensed build by OTO Melara, since last '80 years
M120 crane	Italy	Utility Vehicle			Isoli crane; being phased out
M180 crane	Italy	Utility Vehicle			Isoli crane; being phased out
M200 Crane	Italy	Utility Vehicle			TCM C 200M crane on IVECO SMH 88.42 8X8, to replace M180 cranes 6 delivered in 2007 8 delivered in 2008 8 delivered in 2009
M300 crane	Italy	Utility Vehicle			TCM C 300M crane on IVECO SMH 88.45 BAT 8X8 8 delivered in 2007 26 delivered in 2009 6 delivered in 2012
M400 Crane	Italy	Utility Vehicle			TCM C 400M crane on IVECO SMH 88.45 BAT 8X8 5 delivered in 2009 5 delivered in 2011
ORMIG 603TTV 6X6 Crane	Italy	Utility Vehicle	20
Locatelli Grill 850 Crane	Italy	Utility Vehicle	5
Tadano Faun ATF60-3 Crane	Germany	Utility Vehicle	15
Manitou MRT 1850 Privilege	France	Forklift	9		delivered in 2010
Merlo P36.7 Plus	Italy	Forklift
Merlo P72.10	Italy	Forklift
JCB 930	United Kingdom	Forklift	84		60 delivered between 2008 and 2010; 24 ordered in 2010
FAI Panda 380	Italy	Dozer light
FIAT Hitachi FD 175	Italy	Crawler dozer
Caterpillar D7R	United States	Crawler dozer			3 delivered in 2009
FIAT New Holland D180	Italy	Crawler dozer			51 on delivery between 2010 and 2012
FIAT Hitachi FL 175	Italy	Crawler loader
JCB 1CX	United Kingdom	Wheel loader	100
JCB 3CX	United Kingdom	Wheel loader
FIAT Komatsu WB97S5	Italy	Wheel loader			51 delivered between 2010 and 2012 (of which 42 in 2011)
JCB 426	United Kingdom	Wheel loader
FIAT New Holland W130B	Italy	Wheel loader			delivered since 2010 22 delivered in 2011
FIAT New Holland W190B	Italy	Wheel loader			delivered since 2010 51 delivered in 2011
FIAT Hitachi FE 20	Italy	Tracked excavator
FIAT Hitachi EX235	Italy	Tracked excavator
FIAT New Holland E245B	Italy	Tracked excavator			24 delivered in 2009
FIAT Komatsu PC210NLC	Italy	Tracked excavator	48		delivered between 2010 and 2012
FIAT Allis FL150C	Italy	Grader
FIAT New Holland F156.6	Italy	Grader			20 delivered between 2010 and 2012
Bitelli Condor S	Italy	Roadroller			22 delivered in 2011
ATCL 6X6 Autobetonpompa	Italy	pump-concrete truck			CIFA system on IVECO HD6 66.45 6X6 truck 23 delivered between 2009 and 2012
Carmix 4x4	Italy	Self-loading drive concrete mixer			30 ordered in 2013, to Metalgalante Spa
ATCL 6X6 Piattaforma Lavoro Sollevabile	Italy	lifting platform truck			system on IVECO HD6 66.45 6X6 truck 16 delivered between 2009 and 2012
Fresia F60C 4X4 Teseo	Italy	Firefighting truck			for airport firefigting
SIRMAC Rampini SAB2500D Vulcano	Italy	Firefighting truck			for airport firefigting
Bailey Bridge	United Kingdom	Bridging System
MGB Medium Girder Bridge	United Kingdom	Bridging System			8 delivered in end '80s
P.F.M. (Pont Flottant Motorisé)	France	Bridging System	90		PGM, Ponte Galleggiante Medio

EOD/IEDD systems

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
EOD/IEDD systems
CEIA CMD	Italy	Metal detector			30 delivered in 2008 30 delivered in 2010 30 delivered in 2011 52 delivered in 2012, version 2.0 120 ordered in 2013, version 2.0
Wheelbarrow Mk8 Plus II	United States	Unmanned Demining Vehicle
iRobot PackBot 510	United States	Unmanned Demining Vehicle			EOD/IEDD equipped 3 delivered in 2010 9 delivered in 2011 12 delivered in 2012
Telerob TEODOR	United States	Unmanned Demining Vehicle			2 ordered in 2013
EOD-9 Bomb suite	United States	Protective bomb suite			10 delivered in 2008 6 delivered in 2011 34 delivered in 2012
Sona Enterprise RAV 501	United States	Protective bomb suite			60 delivered in 2011

Electronics & Communications

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Electronics & Communications
Arthur Radar	Sweden Italy	Artillery locating radar	5		1 system previous leased for operational use in Iraq, 2005/2006 5 systems ordered to Selex ES in 2009 for 83 millions Euro; in delivering since 2013
AN/TPQ-37 Radar	United States	Artillery locating radar	1		in service with 41° Cordenons Regiment, almost since 1999 (Kosovo theater between 1999 and 2002, Iraq in 2004)
Selex ES HALO (Hostile Artillery Locating System)	United Kingdom	Artillery locating system			unknown number delivery in 2012 5 ordered in 2014
Metravib Pilar MkIIW system	France	Gunshot detector			6 in delivery since 2013
Aeronautics Skystar 300	Israel	Aerostat surveillance system	1		1 in delivery since 2013
RAT-31SC Radar	Italy	3D air-defence radar	1
RAT-30C Radar	Italy	2D air-defence radar	1		in service since '90s, for low level air space control
LPD/20-J Contraves Radar	Italy	air surveillance radar			in service since 1985 introduced for duty with 40/70 AA batteries, now is in service as surveillance radar for SIDAM & STINGER batteries
Lyra-10 Selex ES Radar	Italy	Man portable radar	6		in service since 2013, for FOB protection
RSCB Ranger Selex ES Radar	Italy	Man portable radar			in service with 41° Cordenons Regiment since 2006 - RSCB, Radar Sorveglianza Campo Battaglia
ROVER	United States	Video receiver			73 delivered in 2010 (IV and V version)
SIAR	Italy	ELINT system	7		5 fixed installations and 2 mobiles (every system is composed by 3 mobile sensors shelterized and one VM90P supervisor) based on Elettronica ELT/888(V)3 ELINT systems. Delivered since end '90s (ER90 system, based on initially Elettronica ELT/888 system) has been updated more times.
Thales Smart Rhino	Template:CDN	jammer			HF Jamming station
Elop PLDR	Israel	Laser designator			2 delivered in 2007 5 delivered in 2008 4 delivered in 2009 1 delivered in 2011
Elbit RATTLER	Israel	Laser designator			short range system 2 delivered in 2012 (one G and one H version)
Selex SDR Hand-Held	Italy	Hand Held Radio			VHF radio 2,726 ordered in 2014
Selex PRR H4855	Italy	Hand Hend Radio			Selex ES VHF man portable SDR 4,000 first batch in 2007 2,650 delivered in 2010 4,795 delivered in 2011 50 delivered in 2012
Larimart RV2/400	Italy	Hand Hend Radio			VHF radio in service since 1985, be phased out
Selex CNR 2000 - SRT 178	Italy	Radio			HF radio station, Combat Net Radio (CNR): low, medium and high capacity versions 50 delivered in 2007 (low power)
Thales AN/PRC-148	France	Radio			117 delivered in 2008 43 delivered in 2009 65 delivered in 2011 (version JEM)
Thales TRC-3770	France	Radio			51 delivered in 2009
Elmer RH5/478VT - SRT 478	Italy	HF/BLU Mobile Radio Station			In service since '80s
Elmer SRT 178 - RH4/178	Italy	HF/BLU Mobile Radio Station			In service since '80s
Selex PR6 190/N	Italy	Radio Bridge station			Shelterized radio bridge
Selex SRT 633P SINCGARS	Italy	Radio			VHF vehicle radio in service on-board C1 Ariete, Dardo IFV, Centauro 8X8 and VBM 8X8
Selex TSM 231C	Italy	Satellite radio terminal			medium/high capacity, satellite terminal
ICARO Stazione radiosondaggio	Italy	Meteo probe system			almost 1 system in service in 2003 22 systems delivered in 2009
FDOC Digit	Italy	C2 Air defence system			original FDOC was deployed with PIP-HAWK 4 system was digital updated in 2011 for Skyguard-Aspide batteries

Logistic vehicles

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Logistic Vehicles
ACTL 4x4	Italy	Tactical-logistic vehicle			in service since 2002 IVECO SMR 44.31 ACTL con cassone IVECO SMR 44.31 Cella Telescopica IVECO SMR 44.31 con pianale IVECO SMR 44.31 rifornitore IVECO SMR 44.31 con piattaforma di lavoro sollevabile IVECO SMR 44.31 autoribaltabile Deliveries: 28 ACTL in 2007 38 ACTL in 2008 17 SMR 44.31 BAD 4X4 in 2008 17 ACTL in 2009 12 ACTL in 2011
ACM 80/90 4X4	Italy	Tactical-logistic vehicle	3000+
ACL 90 4X4	Italy	Tactical-logistic vehicle	3800		being phased out
ACTL 6x6	Italy	Tactical-logistic vehicle			IVECO SMR 66.40 6X6 fuel-tank IVECO SMR 66.40 autoribaltabile IVECO SMH 66.40 BAD - tank - 26 tonn rimorchiabili IVECO SMH 66.40 multiuso IVECO SMH 66.40 Autobetopompa IVECO SMH 66.45 cassone ribaltabile AMT Deliveries: 8 SMH 66.45 6X6 CMT (crane and flatbed), in 2009 10 SMH 66.45 6X6 AMT (Dumper), in 2010 14 SMH 66.45 6X6 AMT (Dumper), in 2011 20 SMH 66.45 6X6 AMT (Dumper), in 2012 17 SMH 66.45 6X6 BMT (flatbed), in 2012 11 SMR 66.40 6X6 tactical tank (8.000 lt), in 2007 10 SMR 66.40 6X6 tactical tank (8.000 lt), in 2008 5 SMR 66.40 6X6 tactical tank (8.000 lt), in 2012
ACP90	Italy	Tactical-logistic vehicle			IVECO ACP90 6X6 MLRS version 40 delivered in 2009
ATP90 traino artiglierie	Italy	Tactical-logistic vehicle	136		IVECO SMR 66.40 CAD 6X6
ACTL 8x8	Italy	Tactical-logistic vehicle			All versions are airmobile 10 IVECO SMR 88.45 8X8 BAD for SAMP/T batteries, delivered in 2009 10 IVECO SMR 88.45 8X8 BAD for SAMP/T batteries, delivered in 2010 APS-95, IVECO SMR 88.45 8X8 with Multilift MkIV system Deliveries: 60 IVECO SM88.42 IM 8x8 (fitted with Isoli Hiab Multilift hookloader) delivery between 2010 and 2013 10 APS-95 8X8 delivered in 2007 10 APS-95 8X8 delivered in 2008 19 ACTL 8X8 delivered in 2011 12 ACTL 8X8 delivered in 2012
ATC 81/A	Italy	Tactical-logistic vehicle	94		IVECO 320 PTM45 6X6 with Bartoletti TCS 50 BO, delivered since 1981
ACTL 8X8 portacarri	Italy	Tactical-logistic vehicle	71		tank cargo truck IVECO SM 88.50 TIM 8X8 with LOHR SMC 64-6.3; first batch delivered in 2004 (6); second batch delivered in 2005 (8)
HD6	Italy	Tactical-logistic vehicle			870 IVECO HD6 in all versions IVECO HD6 66.45 6X6 porta-container IVECO HD6 66.45 TIM trattore IVECO HD6 66.45 6X6 crane 90 IVECO HD6 66.45 6X6 double-cab semi-trailer truck for PGM bridge section (delivered since begin '90s)
Mod. 85 Cucina rotabile	Italy	kitchen trailer			200 rations version 15 delivered in 2008 3 delivered in 2009 200 delivered in 2010 121 delivered in 2011 105 in delivery since 2014 (Osim Plocco)

Containerized systems

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Containerized systems
Sanijet921 NBCR system	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Cristanini Containerized Sanijet921 system for NBCR deep decontamination station 3 delivered in 2008 4 delivered in 2009
NBCR system	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Cristanini Containerized system for NBCR decontamination 15 delivered in 2011 2 delivered in 2008 10 delivered in 2009
NBCR laboratory	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Containerized Crsitanini NBCR laboratory 3 delivered in 2008 (1N + 2C)
Weapon storage shelter	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Containerized weapon storage system 5 delivered in 2012
NBCR COLPRO	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Containerized Cristanini COLPRO system 1 delivered in 2008 1 delivered in 2012
Tank-tainer	Italy	Container			9 delivered in 2011 ISO1C 20" Containerized "Tank-tainer" system 15.000 l 3 delivered in 2008 ISO1C 20" Containerized "Tank-tainer" system 10.000 l
Energy station 500 kVA	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Containerized 500 kVA energy supply station 5 delivered in 2011 1 delivered in 2008 (570 kVA)
Energy station 375 kVA	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Containerized 375 kVA / 300 Kw energy supply station mod. SME/400 5 ordered in 2013 to L.E.M.
Energy station 150 kVA	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Containerized 150 kVA energy supply station 3 delivered in 2008
Refrigerated system	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Containerized two cells, refrigerated system 4 delivered in 2008 16 delivered in 2010 16 delivered in 2011 4 delivered in 2013
Water purifying system	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" ITECO water purifying Containerized system 3 delivered in 2008 6 delivered in 2010 2 delivered in 2012
Kitchen system for 500 rations	Italy	Container			Containerized kitchen system for 500 rations, based on 2 ISO1C 20" containers 6 delivered in 2011 1 delivered in 2007 (for 600 rations)
Bakery	Italy	Container			Containerized bakery, based on 2 ISO1C 20" containers 1 delivered in 2011
Laundry system	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Containerized laundry 8 delivered in 2010 8 delivered in 2011
Showers system	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Containerized showers 12 delivered in 2008 1 delivered in 2011 20 delivered in 2013
Toilet system	Italy	Container			ISO1C 20" Containerized toilet 13 delivered in 2008 18 delivered in 2010 18 delivered in 2011 5 delivered in 2013

Riverine boats

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Riverine boats
Motorboat	Italy	Motorboat			Lagunari Regiment = EIG-48, EIG-49, EIG-134, EIG-135, EIG-136, EIG-208, EIG-209, EIG-210 9° Col Moschin Regiment = Hydroambulance "Caria"
MTP	Italy	Landing craft			used by Lagunari Regiment
SAI Ambrosini 121 Trushter	Italy	Motorboat	60		used by 2° Bridging Regiment
Zodiac Hurricane	France	RHIB			used by 9° Col Moschin Regiment
Zodiac FC470	France	RHIB			version 7 delivery in 2012
Assault boat	Italy	boat			used by Lagunari Regiment
Hart		canoe

Light vehicles

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Light Vehicles
Cagiva Enduro T4 350cc	Italy	Despatches
MTC 90 - Fresia F18 4x4	Italy	Liaison	700		36 MTC-80 (Fresia F10) delivered since 1988, followed by MTC-90 model
MLA 90 - Pozza Alpenparà	Italy	Liaison			parachute motorcycle
MTA 90 - Pozza	Italy	Liaison			parachute motorcycle
Polaris Sportsman 700MUV 4X4	United States	Liaison			4X4 All Terrain Vehicle for parachute units
ATV 6X6		Liaison			parachute motorcycle in service since 2013

Utility vehicles

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Utility Vehicles
Autobus Fiat A90.14/Fiat 370	Italy	Liaison

Aircraft inventory

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Fixed-wing aircraft
Dornier Do 228	Germany	Do 228-200	3	File:Do228-212 Viterbo 31052011.jpg	delivered since 1991
Piaggio P180 Avanti	Italy	P.180 M Utility transport	3		delivered since 1997
Helicopters
Agusta A109	Italy	A109EOA-2 Recce helicopter	15		29 ordered originally (3 A109A e 2 A109AT - Tow- since 1977; 16 A109EOA-1 and 8 A109EOA-2 since 1988)
Agusta A129 Mangusta	Italy	AW-129 CBT Attack helicopter	59		65 delivered originally since 1990
NHI NH90	Germany France Italy Netherlands	TTH Transport helicopter	22		total order of 60; deliveries ongoing since 2008
Agusta-Bell 205	United States Italy	AB 205 Transport helicopter	60		built by Agusta, being replaced by NH90; 115 delivered since 1966 (27 AB-205A, 85 AB-205A1, 3 AB-205B)
Agusta-Bell 206	United States Italy	AB 206 Training helicopter	27		built by Agusta, being phased out; 150 delivered since 1969 (16 AB-206A, 134 AB-206A1)
Agusta-Bell 212	United States Italy	AB 212 Transport helicopter	10		built by Agusta; 19 delivered since 1983
Agusta-Bell 412	United States Italy	AB 412 Transport helicopter	19		built by Agusta; 24 delivered since 1987
Boeing CH-47 Chinook	United States Italy	CH-47C Transport helicopter	14		built by Elicotteri Meridionali Agusta; 40 delivered since 1970, being replaced by 16 (+4 options) CH-47F
UAVs
AAI RQ-7 Shadow	United States	AAI RQ-7 ISTAR UAV	4 systems (16)
AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven	United States	Raven RQ-11A Raven RQ-11B ISTAR UAV	12 44		12 in service since 2005 12 delivered in 2006 2 delivered in 2009 44 in service since 2009/2010
AeroVironment FQM-151 Pointer	United States	FQM 151A Pointer ISTAR UAV	6		6 in service since 2004

UGV - Unmanned ground vehicles

UGV	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
UGV
OTO Melara TRP-2 Combat	Italy	UGV	8		8 ordered in 2012 for FOB Afghanistan, delivered since 2013
OTO Melara TRP-2 RISTA	Italy	UGV Forza NEC Cavalleria	6		2 ordered in 2013, 4 ordered in 2014; 60 planned for VBM 8X8 RISTA
OTO Melara TRP-3	Italy	UGV	12		6 delivered in 2013, 6 ordered in 2014
Ermes Leopardo 4	Italy	Demining UGV			2 delivered in 2011 (Leopardo-T) 4 delivered in 2012

Operations

Sassari Mechanized Brigade soldiers on patrol with VBM Freccia in Afghanistan

3rd Alpini Regiment soldiers near Shindand in Afghanistan

A post-World War II peace treaty signed by Italy prevented the country from deploying military forces in overseas operations as well as possessing fixed-wing vessel-based aircraft for twenty-five years following the end of the war.

This treaty expired in 1970, but it would not be until 1982 that Italy first deployed troops on foreign soil, with a peacekeeping contingent being dispatched to Beirut following a United Nations request for troops. Since the 1980s, Italian troops have participated with other Western countries in peacekeeping operations across the world, especially in Africa, Balkan Peninsula and the Middle East.

As yet, the Italian Army has not engaged in major combat operations since World War II; though Italian Special Forces have taken part in anti-Taliban operations in Afghanistan as part of Task Force 'Nibbio'. Italy was not yet a member of the United Nations in 1950, when that organization went to war with North Korea.

Italy did take part in the 1990-91 Gulf War but solely through the deployment of eight Italian Air Force Panavia Tornado IDS bomber jets to Saudi Arabia; Italian Army troops were subsequently deployed to assist Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq following the conflict.

As part of Operation Enduring Freedom in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, Italy contributed to the international operation in Afghanistan. Italian forces have contributed to ISAF, the NATO force in Afghanistan, and a Provincial reconstruction team and 50 Italian soldiers have died under ISAF. Italy has sent 4200 troops, based on one infantry company from the 2nd Alpini Regiment tasked to protect the ISAF HQ, one engineer company, one NBC platoon, one logistic unit, as well as liaison and staff elements integrated into the operation chain of command. Italian forces also command a multinational engineer task force and have deployed a platoon of Italian military police. Actually, Italy leads the Regional Command West in Afghanistan, and its HQ is located in Herat in the base of Camp Arena. Italian Air Force deployed about 30 aircraft among helicopters and planes; some of them are: four AMX Ghibli and two RQ-1A Predator that are used in close air support and intelligence missions, Alenia C-27J Spartan, Boeing CH-47C Chinook, NH90 and Lockheed C-130 Hercules, which are used in transport missions; UH-1N Twin Huey and Agusta A129CBT Mangusta are used in missions of fire support to the troops .

The Italian Army did not take part in combat operations of the 2003 Second Gulf War, dispatching troops only after May 1, 2003 – when major combat operations were declared over by the U.S. President George W. Bush. Subsequently Italian troops arrived in the late summer of 2003, and began patrolling Nasiriyah and the surrounding area. On 26 May 2006, Italian foreign minister Massimo d'Alema announced that the Italian forces would be reduced to 1,600 by June. As of June 2006 32 Italian troops have been killed in Iraq – with the greatest single loss of life coming on November 12, 2003 – a suicide car bombing of the Italian Carabinieri Corps HQ left a dozen Carabinieri, five Army soldiers, two Italian civilians, and eight Iraqi civilians dead.

As of 2006, Italy ranks third in the world in number of military forces operating in peacekeeping and peace-enforcing scenarios Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Lebanon following only the United States and United Kingdom.

A recent law promotes membership of the Italian Army giving volunteers a chance to find post-Army careers in the Carabinieri, Italian State Police, Italian Finance Police, State Forestry Department, Fire Department and other state bodies.

See also

• Civilian control of the military
• List of active units of the Italian Army
• Regio Esercito (World War II)
• Template:Italian Divisions World War II

External links

• Official Website of the Italian Army