The Italian government has approved a decree providing for the mobilization of nearly 3,000 soldiers in battle readiness, ready to quickly intervene in international crisis scenarios. This task force is part of NATO's Allied Reaction Forces (ARF) and has been designed to strengthen deterrence and security in major conflict areas.
High Readiness Forces
The Italian forces will be deployed within a new security framework, with the capability to be deployed in just five days. The special battalion, consisting of 2,867 soldiers and an arsenal of land, naval, and air vehicles, will be ready to act in case of emergencies. The operation's cost is around 30 million euros and is part of the new missions decree.
Training of Ukrainian Soldiers
The government has also confirmed the extension of the training program for Ukrainian soldiers in Italy until November 2026. Italy will provide up to 80 personnel for the training of Kiev's armed forces, as part of an initiative involving 25 other NATO countries.
Establishment of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF)
On July 1, 2024, in Solbiate Olona, Italy, the new NATO Allied Reaction Force (ARF) was officially established, replacing the NATO Response Force (NRF). This transition was an important evolution in the Alliance's defense, strengthening deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area.
The NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy (NRDC-ITA), based in Solbiate Olona, assumed command of the ARF for a three-year period, under the leadership of Corps General Lorenzo Daddario, former commander of the Folgore Paratroopers Brigade and the 186th Paratroopers Regiment. The command was validated through the Steadfast Deterrence 24 exercise.
The ARF continued to train with exercises in 2024 and 2025 to ensure its readiness as NATO's elite force.
No Tanks in the Field
Despite the mobilization, the Italian contingent will not deploy tanks, but only light armored vehicles. Experts believe that the use of tracked vehicles is not the best solution for a mission aimed at stabilization and deterrence, rather than direct confrontation with Moscow. Among the planned vehicles are the new Centauro 2, armored vehicles with a 120 mm cannon on eight-wheel drive, more suitable for interposition and patrolling scenarios.
Missions and Geopolitical Context
The Italian forces could be deployed in various international scenarios, including Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Red Sea, where the threat of Houthi rebels continues. The deployment of troops will still be subject to parliamentary approval, which will evaluate the missions on a case-by-case basis.
Italy thus continues to strengthen its commitment to international security, balancing the need for deterrence with a cautious approach that avoids direct involvement in high-intensity conflicts.
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