The Italian Navy will reportedly begin an extended period of vessel dismantling, with up to thirty naval units set for decommissioning from now until 2018.
In this same period, only eight new vessels are planned to enter service.
These facts emerge from a 2012 report on the Italian Navy, a document that also details a restructuring process of the entire organisation which began last year. This restructuring is characterised by a significant contraction of the fleet and staff, as well as a "radical review" of the organisational structure.
The effects of significant cutbacks in Italy's budget, driven by austerity measures, has significantly impacted defence spending. These cuts will see the Italian navy downsize from the over 34,000 personnel recruited today to fewer than 27,000 by 2024. These cuts are also in parallel with a net reduction in civilian personnel.
To make the Navy more efficient and to streamline its structure, the Italian Navy will create a "Command School". Based in the seaport city of Ancona, the school will be responsible for the training of staff, as well as functioning as a logistics command. The centre will also become the unique point of contact for technical and logistical support to ships, staff and other naval institutions.
Other plans within the Italian Navy restructure include the implementation of the "Plan Brin", a plan for the modernisation of the three arsenals Augusta, La Spesia and Taranto, as well as the rationalisation and reorganisation of the Hydrographic Institute of Genoa.
Matteo Bianchi
