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Italy's 'AI and Defense 2026' strategy seeks to reshape national defense through enhanced decision-making and technological sovereignty. Approved by Minister Guido Crosetto, the strategy introduces governance and operational pillars, emphasizing the importance of processing Big Data for superior situational awareness.

It outlines 15 strategic directives to mitigate reliance on external suppliers, focusing on developing a robust ecosystem of Mid-Caps in defense technology. The strategy stresses human control and accountability, positioning AI as a tool for decision augmentation rather than replacement. Italy aims to foster innovation through agile procurement and collaboration with startups, while the European Commission's Defence Equity Facility aims to inject over €500 million into defense firms, ensuring technological sovereignty and resilience.