NATO forces in the skies over the Black Sea: U.S. and Italian fighter jets practice air strikes

 

As part of the large-scale NATO exercise Neptune-25-2, US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet fighters and Italian Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter-bombers conducted joint training in Close Air Support (CAS) for ground troops. These simulation operations took place both in the airspace over the Black Sea and in the training areas of Romania.

The exercises demonstrate a high degree of compatibility and interaction between the air forces of the NATO allies. The American Super Hornet, known for its stability and firepower, flew side by side with the Italian F-35B, the most advanced fifth—generation fighter aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and ultra-high stealth. This combination allows us to work out complex scenarios where the F-35B can use its sensors to detect targets in a highly secure environment, and then transmit data to strike with heavier ammunition from the Super Hornet.

These training sessions underscore NATO's continued presence and combat readiness in the eastern part of the alliance, especially in the coastal regions of the Black Sea, where increased deterrence is a key objective.

Leonardo swallowed Iveco: Italian giant buys armored car manufacturer for 1.7 billion euros

 

The Italian defense industry is undergoing tremendous consolidation. Leonardo, the country's largest aerospace and defense concern, has officially agreed to buy Iveco Defense Vehicles (IDV), a manufacturer of military equipment, for 1.7 billion euros (almost $1.9 billion). This marks the end of months of speculation and rumors surrounding the fate of the company that was put up for sale.

The deal, which Leonardo will finance with its own cash reserves, is not just a purchase, but a strategic breakthrough. It transforms Leonardo from a leading player in the field of avionics, helicopters and electronic warfare into a true titan, dominating the market for ground combat systems. Now, in addition to fighters and missiles, legendary Iveco armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, such as LMV (Light Multirole Vehicle) all-terrain wheeled armored vehicles and tracked heavy vehicles, will appear in their portfolio.

This step logically continues Leonardo's strategy of strengthening its position on the ground. Last year, they already entered into a large-scale partnership with the German giant Rheinmetall for the joint production of tanks and combat vehicles. Now, by purchasing IDV, they gain full control over the production and development of ground vehicles in Italy. Experts believe that this will create a powerful European player capable of competing with the world's largest defense corporations and competing for major international contracts for the supply of the entire range of weapons — from aircraft to tanks.

Tempest: the British-Italian-Japanese "hurricane" of the sixth generation and the future of the war on AI

Tempest

 BAE Systems, the leading British defense giant, has unveiled a project that could change the face of aerial combat for decades to come — the sixth-generation Tempest fighter. This prototype, being created as part of a large-scale international project involving the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, is positioned as a real breakthrough in military aviation, but at the same time it causes serious debate about the future of weapons controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) and a new global arms race.

Tempest is not just a new aircraft, but a whole combat system. Its key features are the integration of artificial intelligence and the "Loyal Wingman" concept. AI will assist the pilot in making decisions by analyzing huge streams of data in real time, as well as controlling accompanying unmanned "partners" who can act as advanced scouts, jammers or carriers of additional weapons. Tempest itself is designed to perform missions in both manned and fully unmanned mode, providing incredible flexibility.

Advanced technologies such as 3D printing and digital modeling are used to accelerate and reduce the cost of development and production. This allows for faster testing and implementation of new components.

The main goal of the project is not only to create an aircraft capable of dominating future air battles, but also to transform air warfare methods, making them more networked, autonomous and deadly. However, it is precisely this autonomy that causes concern: where is the line between an AI assistant and an AI killer? Nevertheless, the race for the sixth generation has already begun, and Tempest is one of the main contenders for leadership.

Germany lifted the ban: Turkey is now allowed to buy Eurofighter Typhoon fighters

 

Eurofighter Typhoon

The long-awaited "good" has finally been received. Germany has officially lifted its veto on the sale of modern Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey, a move that has long blocked the deal. Now the way for supplies is open, and Ankara can begin negotiations on the purchase of up to 40 aircraft.

Turkey used to be completely isolated on this issue. Despite the fact that the Eurofighter is produced by a consortium of four countries — Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain — the sale to each new buyer requires the consent of all participants. And Berlin has been the "brake" in recent years: due to disagreements with Ankara on a number of issues, including military operations in Syria, purchases of Russian weapons (like the S-400) and domestic policy, the Germans did not give the green light.

Now the position has changed. Most likely, this is due to common interests within NATO: Turkey is a key player on the southern flank of the alliance, and its strengthening with modern Western fighters (instead of Russian or Chinese analogues) is beneficial to everyone. Plus, there is pressure from other partners, especially the UK and Italy, who have been waiting for a lucrative contract for a long time.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is one of Europe's most advanced combat aircraft: super—maneuverable, with powerful radar and the ability to carry a wide range of weapons. This is a chance for Turkey to upgrade its aging F-16 fleet and strengthen its air defenses, especially amid tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

So now that Germany has agreed, the deal can be finalized in the coming months. Turkey will receive a powerful strike resource, and Europe will be confident that one of its key allies remains on "our side" technologically.

The Italian army has officially commissioned the first upgraded Ariete C2 main battle tank

 

The Italian army has officially commissioned the first upgraded Ariete C2 main battle tank, an updated version of the Italian Cat, whose prototype was first rolled on the parade ground of the Cecchignola military complex in Rome. The ceremony was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Italian Armed Forces, General Giuseppe Cauza, Deputy Minister of Defense Francesco Loredan, as well as the leadership of the Iveco – Oto Melara consortium (CIO), which plays a key role in the tank lifecycle program.  

What has changed in Ariete C2  

1. Electronics and sensors: now there is a new generation digital fire control system with a 3rd generation thermal imaging channel and a high-precision laser rangefinder.  

2. Reservation: modular composite protection class 4+ (STANAG 4569 standard) with the possibility of quick replacement of damaged segments.

3. Engine: 1,500 hp Iveco MTCA 12V turbodiesel and new ZF LSG 3000 automatic transmission provide a specific power of 27 hp/t and a maximum highway speed of 70 km/h.  

4. Armament: retained 120mm smoothbore Rheinmetall Rh-120 L/44, but added an electromechanical gunner and the ability to fire guided LAHAT projectiles.  

5. Connectivity and network centricity: Fully integrated into the Forza NEC digital tactical network of the Italian Army, which allows real-time data exchange with UAVs, artillery and infantry.  

A total of 90 Ariete machines are planned to be upgraded to the C2 standard by 2030. The order is divided into two lots:

- lot 1 — 35 tanks, contract €350 million, completion until 2027.;  

- Lot 2 — 55 tanks, €480 million contract, options for further upgrade to C3.  

The work is being carried out at the OTO Melara plant in La Spezia: the hulls are being cut, the frontal projections are being reinforced, new tower modules are being installed and the internal "stuffing" is being changed. The first 10 vehicles will be tested in Sardinia at the Salto di Quirra training ground, after which they will be delivered to the 132nd Ariete Tank Regiment in Taranto.  

The renewal of the fleet will allow Italy to keep the only domestic MBT in service until the arrival of the promising Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) together with France and Germany (2035+). The Ariete C2 is to complete the tasks of strengthening NATO's eastern flank, participating in EU Battlegroup missions, and ensuring compatibility with Allied Leopard 2A8 and M1A2 SEPv4 tanks.

AN ABNORMAL PHENOMENON in the sky of Italy

 

AN ABNORMAL PHENOMENON in the sky of Italy. The time and place are unknown.

Italy to deploy SAMP/T air defense system in Estonia at the end of 2025

The Foreign Ministers of Estonia and Italy confirmed in a joint statement that Italy plans to deploy its SAMP/T long-range ground-based air defense system in Estonia at the end of 2025. This step is part of efforts to strengthen Estonia's defense capabilities and enhance security in the Baltic Sea region.

Estonia is actively looking for partners for the rotational deployment of air defense systems on its territory. At the end of last year, Spain already sent its NASAMS system to the country, which significantly expanded Estonia's air defense capabilities.

The SAMP/T (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain) system is a modern long-range air defense system capable of effectively intercepting various aerial threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as aircraft and drones.

The deployment of the Italian SAMP/T system in Estonia will strengthen the multi-level air defense system of the region and increase the readiness of NATO countries to repel possible threats.

UFO in the sky over Rome, Italy

 

UFO in the sky over Rome, Italy, captured on 05/12/2025.

OCCAR accelerates production of Aster missiles to strengthen European air defense

 

The Organization for Joint Arms Cooperation (OCCAR) has announced an agreement to accelerate and expand production of Aster missiles for France, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The agreement, signed on March 11, 2025, marks a significant step in strengthening European air defense capabilities in response to evolving security threats, OCCAR said.

Italy Modernizes Amphibious Forces: Introduction of Veicolo Blindato Anfibio (VBA) 8x8 by 2030

 Italy is about to modernize its amphibious forces with the introduction of the Veicolo Blindato Anfibio (VBA) 8x8, an armored vehicle developed by IDV (Iveco Defense Vehicles) to replace the obsolete AAV-7A1, which is currently in service with both the Navy and the Army. 

The first delivery is scheduled for 2025 for the San Marco Brigade based in Brindisi, while the army is expected to receive 82 units for the Serenissima Lagunari Regiment. The full order is expected to be completed by 2030, marking a significant upgrade of Italy's amphibious capabilities.

Veicolo Blindato Anfibio (VBA) 8x8

UAP/ UFO, Italy