Italy has begun early research for a future aircraft carrier as part of its 2025–2027 defense plan to modernize its naval forces.
The “Portaerei di Nuova Generazione” or New Generation Aircraft Carrier project is part of a 31.2-billion-euro ($36.2 billion) defense budget for 2025, a 7.2 percent increase from the previous year, according to AeroTime.
It sets aside 3 million euros ($3.4 million) in 2025, 1 million euros ($1.1 million) in 2026, and 2 million euros ($2.3 million) in 2027 to support feasibility studies for a multi-role carrier.
Although the initiative does not confirm nuclear propulsion, a related effort led by Fincantieri, Ansaldo Nucleare, RINA Services, and the University of Genoa hints at that direction.
This separate study, introduced in 2023, explores concepts of compact lead-cooled fast reactors capable of producing roughly 30 megawatts of power, a technology suitable for endurance-demanding surface platforms like carriers.
If approved, the new vessel under the New Generation Aircraft Carrier framework would likely replace the Italian Navy’s ITS Cavour flagship carrier by the end of the decade and could integrate modern systems such as electromagnetic aircraft launchers.
Rome currently operates F-35B Lightning II jets from its carriers, 15 of which are under the naval force and another 15 with the air force.
Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Submarine
The same defense plan also confirms the purchase of six Maritime Multi-Mission Aircraft for the Italian Air Force to fill a capability gap left since the service’s Bréguet 1150 Atlantic fleet, which was retired in 2017.
Italy is reportedly assessing Japan’s homegrown Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, which is specifically for anti-submarine warfare.
The strategy also includes plans for a next-generation submarine to be developed alongside the proposed carrier program.
While details remain limited, the new vessel is expected to operate alongside the Italian Navy’s Sauro-class (Type 212) submarines, introduced in the late 1970s, and their successors, the Todaro-class (Type 212A) fleet.
