Army of Italy. Italian Air Force Armament of the Italian Army
Italian air force structure. Italy has a very rich aviation history - suffice it to say that it was the Italians who first used aircraft for military purposes (in 1911 in Libya during the Italo-Turkish war). Currently, the Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare - is one of the three main branches of the country's armed forces.
The Italian Air Force has about 470 aircraft and helicopters and approximately 43 thousand people serve.
Emblem and identification mark of the Italian Air Force
The motto of the Air Force is "Virtute Siderum Tenus" ("with courage to the stars"). IN organizational The air force consists of the Air Squadron Command, the Support Command, the Aviation Schools Command, the Air Operations Command and two commands of the aviation districts 1st in Milan and 3rd in Baria.
Italian air force structure, command of the air squadron (COMANDO DELLA SQUADRA AEREA).
Almost all aviation units are subordinate to this Command, with the exception of training ones.
Basic organizational units
- - stormo (Stormo - letters, "flock"), roughly corresponding to the regiment;
- - gruppo (Gruppo) - analogue of the squadron;
- - Squadriglia - corresponds to the link.
The most modern combat vehicles are the Typhoon fighters, which are armed with three stormos (air regiments): the 4th in Grosseto (9th and 20th combat training groups), the 3rd in Gioia del Colle (10th and 12th -th group) and 37th in Trapani (18th group).
Italian Air Force multirole fighter Eurofighter "Typhoon" photo, two have refueling probes, and the first does not
Attack aviation is represented by Tornado fighter-bombers, which are in service with the 6th stormo in Gedi (102nd combat training, 154th and 156th groups), as well as the 50th stormo in Piacenza (155th group specializing in reconnaissance and electronic warfare).
Lighter AMX fighter-bombers are available in the 32nd stormo in Amendol (13th and 101st combat training groups, as well as the 28th unmanned aerial vehicles) and the 51st stormo in Istrana (103rd and 132nd i intelligence). The 41st stormo is deployed in Sigonella, which includes the 88th group with base patrol aircraft. Most of the transport workers have been consolidated into the 46th air brigade (Pisa), which includes the 2nd and 50th groups with medium C-130J aircraft, as well as the 98th with light C-27J. 14th stormo (Pratica di Mare) includes tanker aircraft KS-767 and light transport R.180, 31st (Ciampino) - aircraft for transportation dignitaries. The 15th Stormo, headquartered in Cervia, combines helicopters assigned to five search and rescue centers located at various airfields.
"Tornado" IDS of the 6th regiment of the Italian Air Force. Afghanistan, 2008
Ground air defense is provided by the 2nd stormo (700th and 701st groups with the Spada air defense system), the 1st special forces brigade and the 313th aerobatic team "Frekke Tricolori" ("Three-color arrows") are also subordinate to the command of the air squadron, serving on MB.339PAN aircraft.
Italian aerobatics Frecce tricolori
Aerobatic team of the Italian Air Force "Frecce tricolori". RIAT International Airshow Gloucestershire 2013
at the Flugtag air show in Germany in 88, on a collision course, one plane rams a group, damaging two. As a result of the disaster, about 400 people were injured, 70 died
Italian air force structure
aviation school command.
Future military pilots undergo initial training in the 70th stormo (Latina), which includes the 207th group with SF.260EA propeller-driven aircraft. Basic and advanced training is provided by the 61st stormo in Lecce. Its 213th group is equipped with MB.339A jets, and the 212th - MB.339CD with more modern on-board equipment.
High-speed check-in Lamborghini and fighter-bomber Tornado on a 3-kilometer segment. Leading on on initial segment, Lamborghini still lost, Tornado's 38,000 l / s played its part, he crossed the finish line at a speed of more than 750 km / h, and a sports car of more than 300
For the training of helicopter pilots, the 72nd Stormo (Frosignone) serves with the 208th Group (NH 500E helicopters), which also provides training for flight personnel for army and naval aviation. The Support Command includes various ground units (supply, repair, etc.), and the Air Operations Command includes two radar groups (12 radar posts).
Modernization
The Italian Air Force is currently completing the purchase of the last of the 87 ordered Typhoon fighters.
Italian Air Force AMX during a training flight. Nellis Air Force Base, 2009
Tornado and AMX aircraft are undergoing modernization, and in the future they will be replaced by fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter-bombers.
It is planned to purchase 90 of these aircraft: 60 F-35A and 30 F-35 (including 15 for naval aviation), but this number is likely to be revised down.
In the near future, the Air Force will include two AWACS G.550 aircraft purchased in Israel as an "offset" for the supply of training M.346 "Master" to this country. The latter were also bought by Italy itself - so far in relatively small quantities (15 units). Obsolete base patrol aircraft "Atlantic" are being replaced by ATR 72ASW machines, created on the basis of passenger ones. The command pays great attention to updating the fleet of search and rescue helicopters.
heavy helicopter AW101, plans to increase the fleet by 15 machines
To replace light vehicles AB 212, deliveries of AW 139 helicopters began, and HH-3F, starting in 2014, will be replaced by heavier AW 101 (15 units ordered).
Aircraft and helicopter fleet of Italians.
Multirole fighters
"Typhoon" F-200 (VTF-2000 - 60/11 (+ 25 ordered)
Fighter-bombers
- Tornado IDS/ECR - 60/15
- AMX/AMX-ET - 43/12
Basic patrol aircraft
- "Atlantic" - 4
- ATR72ASW-1 (+4 ordered)
Electronic reconnaissance aircraft
- G.222-3
Tankers
- KS-767 - 4
Transport aircraft
- C-130J/C-130J-30/KC-130J - 5/10/6
- C-27J-12
- A319-3
- "Falcon" 900 - 5
- Falcon 50-2
- R.180-14
- SF.260-30
- MB.339A/PAN/CD - 34/18/29
- М.346-3 (+12 ordered)
Helicopters
- NH500E-49
- AB 212 - 33
- AW139-3 (+17 on order)
- HH-3F-21
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Unmanned aerial vehicles RQ-1B-6
- RQ-1B-6
- MQ-9A - 6
The army of Italy, like any other country, is called upon to protect the state from external and internal threats and encroachments on independence and freedom. How successful were the armed forces of the Italian Republic in this?
The Italian army arose in 1861 - simultaneously with the unification into the Italian Kingdom of the independent Italian states of the Apennine Peninsula that existed at that time: the Neapolitan and kingdoms, the Grand Duchy, the duchies and Modena. Since its inception, the army has actively participated in hostilities, including in the colonial and two world wars, local conflicts and invasions. She played a significant role in the division of Africa (1885-1914) and the formation of colonial states. To protect the conquered territories, colonial troops appeared in the Italian army, recruited mainly from the natives - the inhabitants of Eritrea and Somalia; by 1940 their number reached 256,000.
When the country joined NATO, its armed forces began to take part in the operations carried out by the Alliance. Among them: "Allied Force" (a series of air strikes on the territory of the former Yugoslavia), "Resolute Support" (assistance to the government of Afghanistan), "Allied Defender" (NATO intervention in the civil war in Libya).
Building up the military power of Italy has become a priority since the early 20s of the 20th century: Italians were called up for military service for a year and a half instead of 8 months. The coming to power in 1922 led to the popularization of fascism in the country. The result of the ongoing Duce foreign policy, whose goal was the restoration of the Holy Roman Empire, was the conclusion of a military alliance with Nazi Germany. So the Italian army was involved in fighting, and later she herself initiated a war - with France and Great Britain. During the Second World War, the development of the Italian army went at an accelerated pace.
Despite the fact that the result of the aggression was the loss of colonies and capitulation in 1943, participation in the war brought Italy "dividends": a powerful fleet, which consisted, among other things, of several dozen submarines and almost two hundred warships.
In the middle of the 20th century, the development of the Italian military-industrial complex continued; this was made possible by the country's accession to NATO in 1949. Today, the military potential of Italy is significant: a lot of military equipment of its own production is in service: tanks created on the basis of the German Leopards, military aircraft (fighters, attack aircraft, transporters, etc.) and helicopters, mountain howitzers, anti-aircraft installations, and weapon(automatic rifles, pistols, machine guns, etc.). At the same time, the level of combat training of soldiers and officers is considered low. Even at the beginning of the last century, the Italian army repeatedly suffered defeats on the military fronts (significant losses in clashes with Austria, complete defeat by the Austro-German troops in 1917, colossal losses in North Africa), but this did not greatly affect the improvement of the professional qualities of the fighters of the Italian armed forces. strength in the future.
Structure
The army of Italy consists of land, naval and air forces. Since 2001, another type of troops has been added to them - the carabinieri. Total population personnel: about 150,000 people.
Ground troops formed from several divisions and brigades: mountain infantry, armored, etc. There are parachute and cavalry brigades, signalmen, air defense troops. Bersaglieri, or riflemen, deserve special mention - a special kind of troops, an infantry elite, characterized by high mobility. Since 2005, only professional soldiers and volunteers have been accepted into the infantry troops of the Italian army.
In service are Italian tanks and other armored vehicles; artillery pieces and air defense systems - mostly foreign-made; more than 300 helicopters, a fifth of them are combat. More than 550 old German tanks are in storage.
Fleet
The Italian fleet has traditionally, since the beginning of World War II, overtakes other types of the country's armed forces in terms of development. Its potential, including production and scientific and technical, is very great; all used warships are built in our own shipyards. Among them are the latest submarines, destroyers and unique aircraft carriers equipped with air defense systems and anti-ship missiles.
Air Force
It is officially believed that the national aviation of Italy arose in 1923. However, at the beginning of the century, Italy used aircraft in the war with Turkey, becoming the first country in the world to use them for combat operations. Italian pilots participated in civil war in Spain, the war with Ethiopia, in the First World War. By the beginning of World War II, more than 3,000 aircraft were in service with the Italian army. Today, their number has decreased significantly, but continues to be quite impressive.
Joined the army of Italy recently. They have dual subordination - to the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior, since the Carabinieri also perform police functions.
The structure of the Carabinieri units includes helicopter pilots, divers, cynologists, orderlies; a special task force tasked with combating organized crime.
Carabinieri are different better preparation- combat and psychological - than representatives of other types of troops.
Uniform and ranks
Unlike Russia, where only two types of military ranks- military and naval, in the Italian army, each type of troops has its own ranks. The exception is the ranks of the air force: they almost completely correspond to the names adopted for the ground forces. The main differences: the absence in the Air Force of the rank of major general (literally translated from Italian - "brigadier general"). There are also features in the designation of the highest army ranks: in the ground forces the term generale is used, in aviation - comandante.
The title "corporal" (between private and corporal) exists only in the ground forces. There are no corporals or corporals in the fleet, only sailors and junior specialists (they correspond to the rank of senior corporal in other branches of the military). Russian foremen and warrant officers correspond to sergeants.
The rank of junior officers is represented by three ranks. The captain of the ground forces and the captain of the gendarmerie correspond to the squadron commander and the naval lieutenant commander. There is no rank of "lieutenant" in the naval forces; in the navy it is replaced by "midshipman". There are also three senior officials.
It is curious that naval ranks contain the names of types of ships: for example, the title "captain of the 3rd rank" literally sounds like "corvette captain", and the higher rank is "frigate captain".
The most original names are those of the carabinieri, or gendarmes; this is how it is customary to translate the Italian carabinière into Russian. The same ranks are worn only by junior and senior officers of the gendarmerie and ground forces. In addition, the Carabinieri lack two of the five general ranks. There are only three senior ranks: the inspector general of the district, the second commander (or acting general) and the general.
As in all the armies of the world, in the Italian army camouflage uniforms are used for field operations. The Italian military had their own colors in 1992, before that they used drawings developed for the US Department of Defense. Of the standard equipment, it is worth noting a camouflage poncho with a hood, which, if necessary, can be used as an awning. It is completed with a warm lining, also dual-purpose, as it can act as a blanket.
In cold weather, Italian military personnel may wear wool sweaters with a zip-top turtleneck.
As far as shoes are concerned, Lightweight boots for wearing in hot climates deserve special mention.. Their lower part, the actual boot, is made of durable leather; high top - soft, made of fabric and suede. Special eyelets are used for ventilation. Additional protection against sand or small stones getting into the shoes is provided by nylon gaiters, which are worn over trousers and shoes.
The full dress partially contains accessories left over from the old days; so, for the Carabinieri, these are cocked hats with a plume. Almost every unit wears its own variety of uniforms, which also differ depending on the status of the solemn event. For example, only soldiers of the Sardinian mechanized grenadier brigade, created in 1831, wear high tops to participate in parades. fur hats, similar to those worn by the English guards.
Our days: reforms
Since 2012, the Italian army has been reformed. The goal is to create a new model armed forces and balanced costs. To begin with, the personnel, including command personnel, were significantly reduced, and investments in the modernization of the army were increased. Unused weapons and property should be liquidated or sold, instead of obsolete models, modern, more efficient ones will be put into operation.
The time of change for the Italian army came back in 2007, when the leadership of the Italian Republic abolished compulsory military service. However, in the event of the country's entry into hostilities, calls may resume.
In the new army model, the focus is on professionals and those who want to join the army voluntarily. Now contractors serve 5 years, and subsequently they can renew the contract twice - each time for one or two years. At the end of the term of service, you can get a job in the police or fire departments - former military personnel are given a priority right to this.
In order to interest experienced military personnel and increase the effectiveness of the combat personnel, the government of the country has significantly increased the size of the monthly monetary reward; today the salary of the Italian military comes to 2500 Euros per month. There is a campaign to recruit women into the army; today they can hold positions at any level, with almost no restrictions.
Data
- Troops recruited from representatives of local tribes are called "ascari" (literally "soldier");
- The Eritrean battalions remained loyal to Italy until its surrender; the rest of the mercenaries deserted;
- The colonial troops of the army of Italy included cavalry units that used instead of horses ... camels; they were called "mecharistii";
- At the beginning of the last century, the Italian army fought in Abyssinia, Turkey, in Spain, Albania and Ethiopia;
- After 1940, Italian troops invaded Greece and Yugoslavia, participated in battles in France, Africa, the USSR;
- IN recent history the army of Italy fought on the territory of Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya;
- The Italian Navy has more than 60 warships, including two unique aircraft carriers that have no analogues in the countries Western Europe: they are equipped with short-range air defense systems and anti-ship missiles;
- Italian military bases store 50 nuclear bombs for the US Air Force; 20 more of the same bombs are intended for use by the Italian army;
- In the duties of the carabinieri from the division special units includes: security environment, health and labor, the fight against counterfeiters, the protection of ancient monuments, the control of food production standards;
- In the army of Italy, there is still a cuirassier regiment, the Honorary Guard of the President of the Italian Republic. When participating in parades, they can wear historical cuirasses and helmets with feathers, and, of course, white leggings;
- Carabinieri, as an elite branch of the military, are required to constantly improve their physical fitness and improve their professional skills, including improving fire and mountain training.
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Italy is one of the most active members of the aggressive NATO bloc, its military-political course is aimed at close cooperation with the United States and other countries of the North Atlantic Alliance, in matters of constant military buildup of which the Italian government takes a firm stance.On about. In Sicily, in the Comiso region, work is underway to build a base for US land-based cruise missiles. According to foreign press reports, the first 16 missiles delivered to the base in November 1983 were put on operational readiness at the end of March 1984.
Italy is fulfilling its NATO commitment to increase military spending by 3% annually. in real terms and supports the US proposal for their annual 4% growth. As the Western press notes, Italy's military spending in 1983 increased by 17.7 percent compared to 1982. and amounted to 11889 billion lire. Their share in the gross national product is 2.4 percent, and in the state budget - 5.1.
The military-political leadership of the country takes an active part in resolving the issue of standardizing weapons and military equipment states of the bloc, in the joint development and production of new types of weapons systems.
According to foreign experts, the Italian government follows the lead of the US administration and supports their aggressive course in all major international issues. The development and deepening of all-round cooperation with the United States is viewed in Rome as the main condition for ensuring the "security" of the country and enhancing its role in the international arena.
In an effort to raise its profile, Italy is in favor of limiting nuclear weapons in Europe. However, she did not support the peace initiatives of the USSR, in particular on the non-use of the first nuclear weapons, and endorsed the US decision to produce neutron weapons. Moreover, it has provided its air and naval bases to the US Air Force and Navy, which are armed with nuclear weapons.
According to the Western press, Italy, occupying a favorable strategic position in the basin mediterranean sea, makes a significant contribution to NATO's military buildup on the bloc's southern flank. Italy's "new model of defense" in force since 1982 declares the Mediterranean region a zone of "vital interests" of the country. Under this region, the former chief of the general staff, Admiral of the squadron J. Torrisi, understands the area that includes the Mediterranean and Black Sea, as well as the Middle East, the Red Sea, the oil-bearing regions of the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East. The territory of Italy is considered by the military-political leadership of NATO as an important springboard for conducting military operations against the countries of the socialist community. In accordance with the above-mentioned “new defense” model, the construction of the Italian armed forces is being carried out.
Bodies of the highest military command. The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces is the President of the Republic, who heads high council Defense, which includes the chairman of the council of ministers, a number of ministers (foreign affairs, interior, treasury, defense, finance, industry and trade) and the chief of the general staff.
The overall command of the armed forces is Ministry of Defence(consists of five central and 19 main directorates) through the general headquarters and main headquarters of the branches of the armed forces, and the operational one - the general headquarters. Directly to the Minister of Defense, who is appointed from among civilians, reports general secretary, coordinating the activities of all departments of the ministry and being its chief adviser on recruitment, logistics, modernization of weapons and military equipment. The Minister of Defense has an advisory body - the Defense Committee, which develops recommendations on improving the structure and re-equipment of the troops and naval forces, increasing their combat readiness, etc. The main headquarters of the branches of the armed forces are directly responsible for the training, condition and combat use of the corresponding type.
In military and administrative terms, the territory of Italy is divided into six military districts: Northwestern, Northeastern, Tuscany-Emilian, Central, Southern and Sicilian, with headquarters respectively in the cities of Turin, Padua, Florence, Rome, Naples and Palermo. The military command of Fr. Sardinia (headquarters in Cagliari). District commanders are responsible for combat readiness, operational and combat training of subordinate troops, and in crisis situations - for the organization and implementation of measures for the mobilization and operational deployment of units and formations.
The armed forces of Italy consist of ground forces, air force and navy. Their total strength reaches 373.1 thousand people, including: ground forces - 258 thousand, air force - 70.6 thousand, navy - 44.5 thousand.
Ground troops includes field and territorial troops. They are directly managed by the chief of the main staff of the ground forces (he is also the commander) through the headquarters and inspectorates of the military branches and services. He plans and organizes operational and combat training, develops an organizational and staffing structure, plans for construction, mobilization and operational deployment, and also constantly monitors daily activities subordinate headquarters, formations, units and military schools.
In the combat composition of the ground forces there are: three headquarters of army corps, one armored ("Ariete") and three mechanized ("Centauro", "Mantova" and "Folgore") divisions, 13 separate brigades(two mechanized, five motorized infantry, five alpine and one parachute), a separate rocket brigade "Aquileia", five separate artillery and one anti-aircraft artillery regiment, two regiments of the "Improved Hawk" missile defense system, four separate regiments of army aviation, other units and subunits of combat and rear support.
According to foreign press reports, they are armed with six Lance missile launchers, more than 1,700 Leopard-1, M60A1 and M47 tanks, 4,500 other armored vehicles for various purposes, over 1,300 field artillery pieces (of which 36,203, 2 mm nuclear guns, 36 175 mm Ml 07, 260 155 mm M109, 164 155 mm FH70), up to 900 mortars of caliber 81 and 120 mm. From anti-tank weapons there are ATGM "Toy" (about 300 launchers), "Milan" and SS-11, over 1200 75 and 106 mm recoilless guns, and from anti-aircraft weapons - SAM "Improved Hawk" (132 launchers) and 40-mm anti-aircraft guns guns (up to 260 units). The army aviation has 480 aircraft and helicopters, including five A.109 Hirundo helicopters with Toy ATGMs.
Field Troops(223 thousand people) form the basis of the group of ground forces deployed in peacetime in northern Italy, which is allocated for transfer to the operational subordination of the NATO command in the South European theater of operations. The field forces include two headquarters of the army corps (3rd and 5th) and the headquarters of the Alpine army corps (4th), four divisions, nine separate brigades (one mechanized, three motorized infantry and five alpine), a separate missile brigade, two Regiment ZUR "Improved Hawk", parts of combat and logistics support.
Territorial troops(35 thousand people) are intended for combat operations with enemy air and sea landings, protection of important objects in the communications zone (mainly in the central and southern regions of Italy). in peace and war time they are under the operational control of the national command. They include four separate brigades (mechanized, two motorized infantry, parachute), units of combat and logistics support.
With a general mobilization, the territorial troops are considered by the Italian command as a base for the formation of new units and formations. In the event of deployment, it is planned to recruit over 540 thousand people into the ground forces and bring their number to 800 thousand.
According to the views of the Italian command, the highest tactical unit of the ground forces is the army corps, the numerical and combat composition of which is determined by the nature of the tasks assigned to it. It may include one to three divisions, several separate brigades, separate artillery and helicopter regiments. So, 3rd Army Corps(about 24 thousand people), which, according to Italian experts, will operate in the second echelon of the group of forces, in peacetime includes the Centauro mechanized division and the Cremona separate motorized infantry brigade. The 5th Army Corps (about 66 thousand people), intended for operations in the first echelon, has two mechanized ("Mantova" and "Folgore") and armored ("Ariete") divisions, a separate command of the Trieste troops (equated to a motorized infantry brigade ) and a separate missile brigade. Part 4th Alpine Army Corps(about 32 thousand people) includes five separate Alpine brigades, as well as parts of strengthening combat and logistics support.
Mechanized division(over 17 thousand people) is the main tactical unit of the ground forces. It has two mechanized and one tank brigade, an armored cavalry reconnaissance battalion, two artillery battalions of 155-mm FH70 howitzers, three battalions (communications, engineering and logistics) and an army aviation squadron. It is armed with: 221 medium tank"Leopard-1", 90 155-mm howitzers, 56 120-mm mortars, 69 81-mm mortars, 54 ATGM "Toy", 24 40-mm anti-aircraft guns and 12 AV.206 helicopters.
Armored division(about 16 thousand people) is also the main tactical formation of the ground forces. Unlike the mechanized brigade, it consists of two tank and one mechanized brigade. It has the same divisional units and subunits as the mechanized one. The division is armed with 272 medium tanks, 90 155-mm howitzers, over 90 mortars of 81 and 120 mm calibers, 54 ATGM "Toy" launchers (of which 36 are self-propelled), 24 40-mm anti-aircraft guns and 12 AB.206 helicopters.
Brigades, both separate and included in the divisions, have an identical organizational and staffing structure: the tank one consists of two tank (51 tanks each) and one mechanized battalion, and the mechanized (motorized infantry) - of three mechanized (motorized infantry) and one tank. In addition, the brigade has an artillery battalion (18 guns), an anti-tank company (18 ATGM launchers) and a logistics battalion. Separate Alpine brigades (three or four Alpine battalions, two or three field artillery divisions) do not have tanks.
Delivery vehicles for nuclear weapons of the Italian ground forces are concentrated mainly in a separate rocket brigade "Aquileia": the Lance missile defense division (six launchers) and two artillery divisions (36 203.2-mm howitzers). In addition, the 155-mm FH70 howitzers available in artillery battalions are adapted to fire nuclear weapons. The United States has stockpiled in Italy, according to the Italian press, more than 800 nuclear munitions.
In 1976, a ten-year program for the construction of the Italian armed forces was adopted. Due to financial difficulties, the deadline for its implementation was extended until 1991. By this time, the number of divisions and brigades in the ground forces is planned to remain unchanged, but their combat capabilities will increase significantly due to the arrival of new weapon systems and military equipment. The supply of Leopard-1 tanks to the troops instead of the M47, 155-mm FH70 howitzers, Toy and Milan ATGMs, VCC-1 and -2 infantry fighting vehicles continues. Started own production 155-mm self-propelled howitzers "Palmiria". To increase the capabilities of units and subunits in combating enemy tanks, it is planned to receive Milan ATGMs, Folgore grenade launchers and new A.129 Mongoose helicopters.
Italian Air Force form the basis of NATO 5 OTAK in the South European theater of operations. Their main tasks are: gaining and maintaining air superiority, providing close air support to the ground forces and the Navy, isolating the combat area, covering troops and important objects from enemy air strikes, aerial reconnaissance and ensuring the actions of the Navy in the Mediterranean Sea together with aviation of the 6th US fleet.
Organizationally, the Air Force has 11 aviation wings [ Wing considered the main aviation unit, It consists of a headquarters, three groups (aviation, maintenance and logistics), command and control units and support services. The aviation group includes one or two squadrons, which are the main tactical units capable of operating both independently and as part of a wing. The number of aircraft depends on the mission of the squadron: in the fighter-bomber squadron - 18, and in the fighter and reconnaissance squadron - from 12 to 16. - Ed.] combat aviation (over 260 aircraft), three air wings, a transport aviation brigade of auxiliary aviation and a Nike missile defense brigade Hercules (72 launchers, 16 of which have missiles with a nuclear warhead).
Combat aviation includes tactical aviation and air defense fighter aircraft. The first has six fighter-bomber squadrons (18 Tornado aircraft, 54 F-104S, 36 G.91Y) and five reconnaissance aircraft (36 RF-104G and 48 G.91R). Air defense fighter aviation includes six fighter aviation squadrons (72 F-104S).
18 F104G aircraft of the 102nd fighter-bomber squadron (Rimini airbase) and 18 Tornado aircraft of the 154th fighter-bomber squadron (Gedi airbase) are carriers of nuclear weapons. According to the foreign press, 70 American nuclear bombs have been stored in Italy for them. In addition, the Air Force includes five squadrons of military transport aircraft (ten C-130s, 40 G.222s, two DC-9s, six PD-808s and helicopters), two EW squadrons (13 PD-808ECM, G.222ECM, MV.326ECM), one combat trainer (15 TF-104G), several trainers ($0 G.91T aircraft, 70 MV.326 IG 329, 25 SF-26OM, about 40 AB-47 and AB.204 helicopters ), four squadrons of search and rescue service (35 AB.204 and HH-3FJ helicopters, as well as other units performing communications, mapping, etc.
On a territorial basis, all aviation is distributed over three military air districts: I, II and III with headquarters respectively in the cities of Milan, Rome and Bari. District commanders are responsible for the combat readiness of aviation units and subunits, plan and conduct various district-wide aviation exercises, and, with the outbreak of hostilities, organize air operations and interaction with the ground forces and the Navy.
The plan for the construction of the Air Force provides for equipping units and subunits with modern aircraft and air defense systems. To replace obsolete G.91Y and F-104S and G machines, Tornado multi-purpose aircraft began to arrive. In 1983, 25 of them were delivered (it is planned to have 100 Tornadoes as part of combat aviation). Since 1987, it is planned to equip fighter-bomber squadrons with new Italian-Brazilian AMX aircraft (the Air Force needs 187 aircraft of this type).
To ensure air defense of bases at low and medium altitudes, it is planned to deploy 20 Spada missile batteries, and in the southern regions of Italy - additional radar posts that could promptly notify of an air attack.
Naval Forces Italy are intended primarily for joint combat operations with the US 6th Fleet and operations in the Mediterranean Sea in cooperation with the Greek and Turkish navies, as well as to ensure the landing and operations of amphibious assault forces, support of ground forces in coastal areas, coastal defense, military -sea bases and ports of the country.
Administratively, the coast of the continental part of Italy and the islands with adjacent waters is divided into four naval districts - Upper Tyrrhenian (headquarters in the Naval Base La Spezia), Lower Tyrrhenian (Naples), Adriatic (Ancona), Ionian and the Strait of Otranto (Taranto ), as well as two autonomous naval commands - the islands of Sardinia (La Maddalena) and the islands of Sicily (Messina).
Organizationally, the Navy, according to the foreign press, consists of a fleet (includes the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th divisions and the command of submarines, as well as mine-sweeping ships and auxiliary vessels at the disposal of the commanders of districts and autonomous commands), marines and aviation. In peacetime, they are in national subordination, and in case of war, it is planned to transfer most of them to the command of the joint NATO naval forces in the South European theater of operations.
Marines consists of a separate battalion "San Marco" and a detachment of combat swimmers "Teseo Tezei".
to the Navy Aviation includes two patrol aviation wings (14 Breguet 1150 Atlantic). based at the air bases of Cagliari (Sardinia) and Catania (Sicily), and five squadrons of helicopters (36 SH-3D, 60 AB.212AS and 10 AB.204AS).
Colonel Yu. Aleksandrov
+21The armed forces of Italy are: Navy, Army, Carabinieri, Air Force. The Italian Armed Forces also include the Financial Police Corps (Guardia di Finanza), the Military Corps of the Italian Red Cross, the Volunteer Nurses, the Military Corps of the Italian Armed Forces, the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Military Ordinariate.
Annually, 1.7% of GDP is allocated for army spending, which is 20.7 billion US dollars.
Since 1999, compulsory military service has been abolished, and Italy has completely switched to a contract army. Now, the Italian Armed Forces consist only of voluntary mercenary soldiers with special knowledge in military affairs. Also, the Italian army consists of female personnel, which has already become a complementary part of the Italian Armed Forces, where women are not only involved in logistics, but also enter the active forces, taking part in the hostilities in which Italian troops participate abroad.
Military parade. Photo italyproject.ru
Compulsory military service was legalized during the reign of Napoleon, in 1802, although historians argue about this. Some argue that the author of this idea was Nicolo Machiavelli, who lived three hundred years before the famous French emperor.
It should also be noted that, according to Article 52 of the Italian Constitution, every citizen is obliged to defend his Fatherland. This is his sacred duty to the country and society. Therefore, in the event of the outbreak of hostilities or in any other extreme situations that threaten the integrity of the country and the peace of its citizens, compulsory military service can be renewed. The combat-ready population, according to the Constitution of the country, includes the male population aged 15 to 49 years.
After the army has become professional, a soldier can sign a contract for a period of five years, and then extend it for one or two years (such a contract can be signed twice). Wage contract soldiers is several times the amount that was paid to soldiers military service. According to 2006 data, young people serving in the army on a contract basis received 1,000 euros, while soldiers carrying out compulsory military service earned 90 euros per month.
Italian police. Photo crimso.msk.ru
At the end of their service life, military personnel are dismissed and can be hired by the police, civil defense, fire departments and security organizations. It is also worth noting the fact that the military reform in Italy gives good prospects for women who can now serve in various branches of the military and hold different posts and positions.
In the face of the financial crisis, Italian Defense Minister Giampaolo di Paola presented to the country's government and parliament a proposal for a large-scale reform of the existing structure of the Italian army. The reform is to reduce the number of personnel and create a more modern army. But in the short term, the army will have to face serious cuts in the budget and investment in military construction.
The proposed reform will lead to the creation of a new model of the Armed Forces, which should balance the costs of maintaining personnel (70% in the budget of the Ministry of Defense for 2012) and other sections of the military budget (current maintenance of the Armed Forces and the purchase of new weapons and military equipment). The goal, announced by Minister Di Paolo, is to bring the structure of the military budget to European standards: 50% for personnel, 25% for the operation of the Armed Forces and 25% for arms purchases.
Savings of the order of 2 billion euros, which can be obtained over the next 10 years due to the reform (read, “reductions” - note P. 2) of personnel, will theoretically be invested in the purchase of new weapons. Until then, programs to purchase new weapons must tighten their belts. The procurement budget of the Ministry of Defense in 2012 alone lost 970 million euros. In 2012-2014 The Ministry of Defense must save another 3 billion euros, which will significantly affect the purchase of weapons. The budget of the Ministry of Defense will be frozen at the level of 12-14 billion euros for the period 2012-2014.
Following the announcement of a 41-unit reduction in F-35 fighter jet purchases, other programs will also soon see sharp cuts in the Defense Department's procurement budget. In particular, the procurement programs for NH90 helicopters and U212-type submarines may be affected.
Giampaolo di Paola | ilpost.it
List of main measures
The armed forces will be reduced from 190,000 to 151,000: 43,000 vacancies (of which 10,000 civil servants) will be cut to save 2 billion euros. In 2021, the army will have 18,000 officers, 18,000 non-commissioned officers, 22,300 sergeants, 56,000 full-time volunteers and 24,000 fixed-term volunteers. The number of generals and admirals will be reduced by 30%. Those people who will be affected by the reform should be transferred to other state structures. The government also expects to stimulate their recruitment in the defense industry.
Gradual increase in investments in the renewal of the army from 16,424 euros to 26,458 euros per soldier.
Reform of command structures: merging overlapping command structures within the three branches of the armed forces and abolishing territorial commands, which are seen as an obsolete remnant of the Cold War.
The abolition of two brigades, the closure of bases, the sale of unused real estate: it is planned to reduce 30% of army infrastructure (barracks, training grounds, etc.) within five to six years. The ground forces will be reduced from 11 to 9 brigades, part of the heavy weapons, helicopters, artillery and supplies will be eliminated. In the Navy, the number of patrol ships, as well as minesweepers and submarines (from six to four) will be reduced from 18 to 10. In the Air Force, fighters and tactical attack aircraft will be reduced (there are currently Tornado, AMX and AV-8B aircraft in service).
Reducing the number of purchased F-35 fighters by 41 units: an order for 90 fighters has been confirmed. The Ministry of Defense expects to save 5 billion euros. According to Defense Minister Giorgio di Paola, the adoption of the F-35 will replace almost 160 Italian aircraft, that is, one new aircraft will replace 1.8 old aircraft. To compensate for the decline in employment at the assembly plant in Cameri, the Italian Ministry of Defense is negotiating with Lockheed Martin to increase the capacity of this plant. Italy expects that not only aircraft of the Italian order, but also for Holland and Norway will be assembled in Cameri. Recall that Kameri is already responsible for the production of fuselage and wing elements for aircraft intended for customers from Europe and Asia.
Retention of the air wing of the aircraft carrier Cavour: Italy remains interested in modifying the F-35B VTOL fighter.
Necessary reductions in other programs for the purchase of weapons: according to the rule approved by the Supreme Council of Defense on February 8, 2012, it is possible to scale up programs (reduction, postponement of funding) in order to maintain at a reasonable cost obsolete weapons that were planned for replacement. This is most true of the NH90 helicopter procurement program (416 million euros in 2011 with a total program cost of 3.8 billion euros) and U212 submarines (168 million euros in 2011 with a total program cost of 1.8 billion euros). Euro).
Adapted from Didier Rafidiarimanda "La sauvegarde de la BITD italienne", CEIS Policy Papers, March 2012.
Prepared by Andrey Frolov
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