The "Folgore" Projects into the Future: from GMV 'Flyer' to Fire Support 2.0. Key Programs of the DPP 2025-2027

ROME – The Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore", the spearhead of the rapid projection capabilities of the Italian Army, is at the center of a significant effort of modernization and capacity enhancement. The Annex to the Multi-Year Defense Program Document (DPP) 2025-2027 highlights how investment priorities for the Great Combat Unit are focused on increasing air-droppable mobility and renewing fire support.

The programs confirm the intention to equip the Folgore with crucial assets to ensure an effective and fast national projection capability, able to operate in complex scenarios with short notice.

1. The New Tactical Mobility: The GMV 'Flyer'

The most specific and consistent investment program for the Brigade is the acquisition of the Air-droppable Tactical Vehicles Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) 'Flyer'.

This light vehicle, intended jointly for the Special Forces Sector and the Folgore, is crucial for the airborne employment doctrine. The GMV 'Flyer' is designed to be air-transported internally by carriers like the CH-47, CH-53, and C-130, allowing rapid deployment and enabling paratrooper units to project and concentrate forces in very short times at strategic distances.

The plans foresee the acquisition of 199 platforms specifically intended to equip a multi-weapon tactical group of the Paratroopers Brigade Folgore.

Financial Commitment (DPP 2025-2027): The program is supported by significant resources, with 9.08 million euros allocated for 2025, 78.72 million euros in 2026, and 32.91 million euros in 2027.

2. Renewal of Indirect Fire Support for Light Forces

Another pillar of modernization is the program "Renewal of Indirect Fire Support for Light Forces with Specialist Capability" (SMD 06/2024), a category in which the Folgore plays a leading role.

This project aims to renew the overall fire support capability of light Brigades and includes a series of key acquisitions that will elevate the power and precision of engagement:

• Loitering Munitions (LM): The acquisition of "Loitering Munitions" type weapon systems represents a capacity leap for the Folgore, introducing precision weapons that can loiter over a target before engaging it.
• Heavy Mortars: The program aims to complete the equipment of 120 mm heavy mortars and the related ammunition.
• Firing Instruments: The procurement of new generation technical firing instruments.

The program received a funding integration of 65 million euros under the 2025 Budget Law.

3. Digitization and Soldier of the Future (SIC)

Finally, the modernization of the Folgore is closely linked to the enhancement of individual equipment and C4 ISTAR capabilities (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance).

The Brigade is engaged in experimentation sessions on the technological packages that make up the new Individual Combat System (SIC). These activities aim to provide the Armed Force with immediate feedback on the operational use of new generation equipment, with particular attention to night mobility and the C4 ISTAR component, vital elements for a unit operating in small reconnaissance and target acquisition teams.

The programs outlined in the DPP 2025-2027 testify to a clear direction of Defense towards maintaining and evolving the Folgore as a light maneuver force, highly specialized and equipped with cutting-edge technological tools for future challenges.

4. Enhancement of Airborne and Air Supply Capability

Crucial for maintaining and improving the core business of the Folgore is the program dedicated to the enhancement and renewal of airborne capability. This program is aimed at acquiring parachutes and related air-drop equipment, materials and equipment for air supply, training/formative platforms, and simulation.

The objective is twofold: to have airborne troops equipped with interoperable and/or common materials for conducting airborne operations and, at the same time, to enhance the air supply capability in favor of military units. In a dual-use perspective, these assets are also suitable and versatile for civilian rescue operations in case of natural disasters.