Any analysis of Europe’s leading fleets inevitably focuses on the British Royal Navy and France’s Marine Nationale as the region’s major maritime powers. Italy’s Marina Militare is typically given less attention in spite of its historical aspirations to Mediterranean dominance. However, the Italian Navy is currently benefitting from a substantial programme of modernisation, allowing it to steadily close the gap on its main European rivals.
Italy enjoys many advantages in its pursuit of naval influence. It has a strong domestic maritime sector, with state-controlled shipbuilder Fincantieri commonly regarded as Europe’s largest and most influential shipbuilding group. This strength is supported by expertise in associated areas, not least the wide range of skills provided by defence and aerospace conglomerate Leonardo. In addition to activities in areas such as radar and missile systems, the business includes production of the famous Oto 76mm and 127mm gun mountings.
Today’s Marina Militare comprises around 30,000 personnel. It operates from the major naval bases at La Spezia in the north and Taranto in the south, as well as from a smaller arsenal at Augusta in
