Italian military-industrial complex and Azerbaijan

Italian Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni is expected to visit Azerbaijan. This visit will be another confirmation of the high level of relations between the two countries. The relations between Baku and Rome are a vivid proof that the West and the East are not as far apart as they seem. If there is mutual understanding and common interests, the distance between countries and peoples does not matter. This includes issues related to cooperation in the fields of defense and security.

Azerbaijan and Italy are actively strengthening defense cooperation, considering each other as strategic partners. The two countries jointly participate in multinational exercises, hold high-level meetings, and discuss joint projects, security issues, and personnel training. Defense cooperation is being strengthened within the framework of bilateral plans, and often against the background of cooperation with NATO. Military specialists from the two countries have a regular dialogue on cybersecurity, engineering training, etc. The Azerbaijani delegation participated in the multinational exercises on civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) in Italy, including as observers at the "High-ranking Observer Day." Currently, Italy and Azerbaijan are discussing cooperation in the field of military personnel training and joint scientific research.

Last week, Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov was in Italy. At the meeting with the head of the Italian Defense Ministry, Guido Crosetto, as reported by the media, bilateral relations based on strategic partnership and their prospects were discussed. The parties had a detailed exchange of views on the further development of cooperation in the military, military-technical and military-educational fields, as well as on other issues of mutual interest.

After meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Guido Crosetto said that Azerbaijan's role in the Eurasian region is fundamental. At the meeting, he noted, mutual willingness to expand the dialogue was confirmed.

In 2012, the two countries' defense ministries signed an agreement on military and defense cooperation, which covers personnel training, exchange of experience, and joint projects in the military-technical industry.

In February 2020, the first state visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Italy took place. As a result of that visit, 28 bilateral documents were signed covering various fields, including defense. In particular, a declaration was signed on the supply of Italian-made M-346 aircraft. It is one of the most modern jet training aircraft in the world, designed to train pilots of combat vessels of the "4" and "4.5" generations.

In 2023, a contract was signed with the Italian company Leonardo for the supply of C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft to Azerbaijan. In those days, the Italian company's message noted that the C-27J acquisition program from Leonardo, which has many years of experience in the most difficult operational scenarios, is the result of technical discussions held between the Ministries of Defense of Italy and Azerbaijan.

This agreement is an integral part of the modernization program of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, which pays more attention to the products of the Italian military-industrial complex. Leonardo aircraft have already proven themselves in the most difficult geographical terrain and operational conditions. The C-27J Spartan is capable of performing a wide range of combat and civil defense tasks. It is considered ideal for military transport missions, airborne parachutists and supplies, tactical support operations for troops, special forces, humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

On June 26, 2024, on the Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, the first C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft delivered to our country was presented to President Ilham Aliyev at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The presentation was attended by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Edmondo Cirielli, President of Leonardo Stefano Pontecorvo. It was reported that the Italian aircraft will be used in military transport operations, during the landing of paratroopers and cargo, as well as when performing medical tasks.

In November 2025, specialists from the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and the General Staff of the Italian Armed Forces held an expert meeting on the topic "Search and rescue of people without assistance in mountainous areas." The meeting took place at the search and rescue base of the 15th wing, located in the Italian city of Cervia. It was attended by the base's management and Azerbaijani Air Force personnel specializing in parachute training and search and rescue operations.

Italy is a very profitable defense partner for Azerbaijan. The Italian military-industrial complex is one of the leading in Europe and covers almost all industries - aviation, rocket engineering, armored vehicles, and the navy. The country's defense industry is based on large public and private companies such as Leonardo, Fincantieri and Iveco Defense Vehicles, which make a significant contribution to NATO's combat capability. The main production is concentrated in Milan, Turin and Genoa.

In the field of aviation, Italy has proven itself by producing combat aircraft, helicopters and UAVs, the country participates in international programs (Eurofighter, F-35). Fincantieri is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft carriers, destroyers and frigates. The vessels are produced not only for the Italian Navy, but also for export. Italian companies also develop and manufacture tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery systems, modern air defense systems, in particular the Michelangelo Dome, radio electronics and communications systems.

Italian-made weapons are actively being purchased by both the European Union and the Middle East. Qatar, Kuwait, and Egypt are among the buyers. They buy Italian weapons in South Africa and the USA.

Speaking of Michelangelo's Dome. It is being developed by the Leonardo concern. According to the Italian media, it will be a revolutionary air defense system based on artificial intelligence. The project is at an advanced stage of development, and its full commissioning is expected by the end of this decade. The key feature of the new system is its versatility. It is noted that the software is not tied to specific types of weapons and complies with NATO standards, which allows it to be integrated with various platforms - aircraft, tanks and missile systems from different manufacturers. Military experts will confirm how many advantages this technology provides. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani himself rates the project as "the largest integration program in the history of the defense industry."

The fact that the visit of the delegation led by the Azerbaijani Defense Minister to Rome took place a week before Giorgi Meloni's arrival in Baku is hardly accidental. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's just note that in the future, some news can probably be expected in the field of Azerbaijani-Italian defense cooperation.