According to foreign media reports, Italy recently released the "2024-2026 Defense Plan" document, which details the construction of the navy, including enhancing underwater, surface, and air power. The report states that the document, as the latest guidance plan for the Italian Navy, will accelerate the modernization process of the Italian Navy. Initiate the underwater technology research and development plan. Under the framework of this document, the Italian Navy will establish a research and development department for unmanned underwater vehicles, with a focus on strengthening intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications. The Italian Ministry of Defense stated that a series of large unmanned underwater vehicles will be developed in the future to support the delivery of naval forces. In addition, the document also plans to launch a related system for protecting and monitoring underwater infrastructure. Purchase new types of warships. The document mentions that the Italian government will provide $2 billion in funding to purchase two FREMM EVO frigates for the navy. The frigate will be equipped with an advanced combat management system and a sensor system with dual band radar as the core, which can respond to threats such as ballistic missiles and artillery. The first ship is expected to be delivered in 2029, and the second ship is expected to be delivered in 2030. In addition to purchasing the FREMM EVO frigate, Italy will also purchase 5 new generation anti mine ships, 6 offshore patrol ships, and build two 10000 ton DDX destroyers. In addition, the Italian Ministry of Defense continues to promote the upgrade and renovation plan of two Andrea Doria class destroyers, four Todaro class submarines, two Sauro class submarines, and the "Etna" supply ship. Strengthen air power. Italy will spend $7.8 billion to purchase 25 additional F-35 fighter jets, of which 5 F-35B fighter jets will be allocated to the Italian Navy. The document specifies that Italian Navy fighter jets will be equipped with various types of missiles such as air-to-air and air to ground, and the F-35B fighter jet operation training program will be promoted to enhance the navy's deep-sea combat capabilities. The document also mentions another plan to purchase six new anti submarine patrol aircraft at sea, which has received approximately $600 million in initial funding for the initial purchase of two new anti submarine patrol aircraft. Develop long-range strike capabilities. The Italian Ministry of Defense continues to support the development of long-range strike missiles and anti-ship missile capabilities. The document states that Italy will further collaborate with the European Missile Group to develop sea based cruise missile systems and Teseo Mk2/E anti-ship missile systems, as well as Marte ER anti-ship missiles for equipping NH-90 and EH-101 helicopters. Enhance network defense capabilities. The Italian Navy has launched a $97 million cyber defense capability building project, of which 19 sub projects have been approved. Enhance the attack and defense capabilities of unmanned systems. An official from the Italian Navy Staff stated that the navy will use a large number of drones in the next 10 years, so preparations need to be made now. Subsequently, it announced a plan called "Drone Swarm Carrier" aimed at researching how to integrate a large number of unmanned systems with search, rescue, interception, and other capabilities into ship combat management systems. The Italian Navy also plans to apply for approximately $200 million to purchase maritime anti drone systems, including conventional weapons and directed energy weapons. In addition, the Italian Ministry of Defense has provided an additional $583 million for personnel accommodation, ship maintenance, and port infrastructure construction for active naval and submarine forces on the current budget basis. (New Society)