Italy and the F-35: Rationales and costs

In: International journal / Canadian International Council: Canada's journal of global policy analysis, Band 68, Heft 1, S. 31-48

Abstract

The fact that different Italian political parties and leaders, in government, as well as in opposition, consistently supported Italy's participation in the F-35 program over the last 15 years is worthy of analysis. In this article I suggest that such strong continuity on transatlantic procurement can be traced to four rationales. The first is the military rationale -- the understanding that the F-35 is necessary and adequately fits the military requirements for both the Italian air force and navy; second is the industrial rationale, based on the strategic interests of Italy's defence industry in participating in the procurement program; third is the multinational rationale -- the strong inclination of Italian policymakers to pursue defence procurement and, generally speaking, defence policy in multinational frameworks; and fourth is the transatlantic rationale, based on the importance Italy attaches to bilateral relations with the US and NATO. Beginning in 2012, the budgetary constraints caused by the Eurozone crisis in almost all European countries, including Italy, fuelled a political debate over the costs and benefits of Italian participation in the F-35 program that revolved largely around these four rationales. I now turn to a discussion of each of these rationales. Adapted from the source document.