Minister Crosetto at the First Coordination Meeting of the Defence and Security Working Group

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On 5 August, the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, was appointed by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers to lead a working group to develop a national plan — also of an industrial nature — aimed at strengthening the country’s defence and security, involving the entire supply chain as well as large, medium, and small enterprises.

Today, 8 August, the first coordination meeting was held via videoconference, attended by representatives from the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

During the meeting, potential priority areas for action were proposed:
• Ensuring effective coordination between supply and demand in the defence sector;
• Making the national system more attractive for foreign industrial investments;
• Involving innovative production sectors not traditionally linked to defence, promoting dual-use projects.

The importance of integrated economic and financial planning across several ministries was also highlighted, as well as the possibility of introducing regulatory measures to increase flexibility and efficiency in resource allocation, and the need to ensure complementarity and coordination between the various working groups.

The Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, stated:

“Institutions are fully committed to guaranteeing the safety and protection of the country, while ensuring that the implementation of this national plan generates the maximum tangible return in terms of technology, research and development, know-how, as well as from a financial, economic, and employment perspective. This is a strategic opportunity to strengthen national capabilities, enhance our enterprises, and support Italy’s competitiveness.”

For the first time, the plan will also take into account the raw materials essential for national production. The initiative will focus on advanced sectors and technologies, with applications also in the civil sphere, to generate benefits in terms of skills, renewal of industrial infrastructure — including critical infrastructure — and increased competitiveness.

Areas of particular interest include space, underwater technologies, quantum, robotics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and autonomous platforms.