Italy continues to expand its sophisticated airborne intelligence capabilities, with recent announcements revealing plans to acquire an additional Gulfstream G550 specifically configured for national research and development purposes. This addition brings new dimensions to Italy's already ambitious military aviation intelligence programme that has been developing over more than a decade.
Italy's military Gulfstream programme formally began in 2012 with the purchase of 2 aircraft in AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) configuration, establishing the foundation of its specialized intelligence fleet. That same year, following the retirement of its aging G222 VS aircraft after NATO's 2011 Libya campaign, Italy entered into a leasing agreement with Lockheed Martin for a Gulfstream III configured for SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) missions.
This leased "Airborne Multi-INT Laboratory" operated from Pratica di Mare Air Base near Rome until spring 2016, providing electronic intelligence capabilities along with electro-optical sensors and ground data links. The programme saw substantial growth in 2020 when Italy contracted for 2 complete AISREW (Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare) aircraft including the L3 suite and corresponding ground support equipment. This same contract included 6 additional "green" (unequipped) aircraft for future enhancement, reflecting years of evaluation by the Aeronautica Militare.
In 2021, the programme entered its second phase with plans to convert 4 of the "green" aircraft to full AISREW configuration. The remaining 2 aircraft were slated for transformation into EA-37B versions, with an option for a third. The Italian Air Force determined that the US Air Force's EC-37B programme represented the only solution fully meeting their technical and operational requirements, as stated in Italian parliamentary documents.
A significant milestone was reached in March 2022 when Italy received its first G550 AISREW. This aircraft, not yet fully equipped with all planned systems, initially serves training purposes before conversion to final mission configuration. The second AISREW aircraft is expected to arrive in 2025.
According to recent ministerial decree information submitted to Parliament, Italy is now entering the third phase of this programme with plans to acquire an additional G550 aircraft. This latest addition will be exclusively dedicated to research, development, and testing of new capabilities developed by the national defence industry, particularly systems from Leonardo and ELT Group, effectively creating a national test bed for Italian-developed electronic systems. It is unclear whether this research aircraft will be part of the original 10 examples, or it is an eleventh, new one.
This third phase represents a significant investment of €1.632 billion, with €638 million already allocated. The initial funding will complete the transformation activities on 4 aircraft and provide initial logistical support for fully mission-capable aircraft. The remaining 994.1 million euros will implement modifications on 2 additional aircraft and complete the broader programme.
The comprehensive programme extends beyond aircraft acquisition to include completion of the "ISTAR Citadel" with extensive infrastructure development including hangars, shelters, SAP buildings, security provisions, and satellite connectivity. Training capabilities will be enhanced through acquisition of a full-motion G550/G650 simulator for pilot training and updates to the existing mission system simulator for operator training.
When fully implemented, the Italian Defense will operate a fleet of 10-11 specialized G550 aircraft in CAEW, SIGINT, and EA configurations, with one dedicated R&D and representing Italy's commitment to developing sovereign capabilities in advanced electronic warfare and intelligence technologies.
Through this comprehensive programme, Italy is establishing itself as a significant player in airborne intelligence, positioning the country at the forefront of military surveillance and electronic warfare capabilities within NATO and the Mediterranean region. The development of a dedicated national test bed further demonstrates Italy's commitment to maintaining technological independence in critical defence systems while supporting its domestic defence industry.
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