During a recent interview given to local media, the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino, hinted that the institution plans to equip itself by the year 2040 with a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that would allow it to better address modern threats. For the institution, this development represents a significant leap in capabilities that would place it as the third in the world to possess such a vessel—a club currently comprised only of the U.S. and France.
Citing Admiral Credendino’s official statements: “The Navy has a budgetary plan through 2040. They are considering a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, but also drones of all kinds and systems to confront the threat of cyberwarfare. In any case, our sixty ships will be equipped with ample space to carry drones. The Trieste, our most recent unit, already carries fighters and drones of various sizes.”
It is worth recalling at this point that Italy’s intentions to begin studying the possibilities of fielding nuclear-powered ships fall under the program known as Minerva, which was unveiled by the Italian Ministry of Defense in 2023. This is a program structured in three major stages, namely: a first phase studying the feasibility of using next-generation reactors on combat ships, followed by the conceptual design of such a vessel, and finally, a comparative evaluation between that design and a similar conventionally powered one. Currently, the work being developed is led by the company Fincantieri, with participation from Nuclitalia (a company comprising Enel, Ansaldo Energia, and Leonardo) as well as academic institutions.
On another note, briefly reviewing the advantages associated with having nuclear propulsion in an aircraft carrier, we can highlight that it would significantly reduce the space dedicated to storing fuel reserves for long deployments, allowing for a greater number of aircraft or supplies to be carried. Furthermore, if the integration of this type of propulsion in an aircraft carrier is achieved, it would facilitate the Marina Militare in conducting long-range deployments to the Arctic or the Indo-Pacific without relying on frequent fossil fuel resupply, which could be compromised in combat situations—translating into greater power projection capabilities and easier integration into NATO task forces.
It is also worth noting that the decision to move forward with developing such capabilities comes at a time when the Italian Navy is frequently deployed in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, where it takes part in the European Union’s Operation Aspides aimed at responding to various Houthi attacks on maritime trade in the region. In addition, the institution is involved in various monitoring missions focused on the activity of Russian ships in those waters, particularly those near Libya.
Keeping these considerations in mind, it is also necessary to highlight that a program of this nature brings with it a significant series of challenges, which have already raised doubts about its feasibility in Italian specialized media. Among the most notable are the need to have SMR-type naval nuclear reactors developed by the aforementioned Fincantieri, which are not yet officially operational. In addition, there is the need for major infrastructure upgrades to accommodate a potential aircraft carrier of these characteristics, and the investments required to ensure its maintenance—something that appears difficult to achieve in the coming decade.
For now, it is worth remembering that the Marina Militare currently operates two ships capable of hosting and deploying combat aircraft: the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and the amphibious assault ship ITS Trieste; both conventionally powered. Commissioned in 2009 and 2024 respectively, both vessels are prepared to operate with the U.S.-origin stealth fighters F-35B, making use of the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) model—the same used by their U.S. and U.K. counterparts.
*Images used for illustrative purposes only
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Work with the French who are already developing the next generation nuclear reactor for their ng carrier.
Stupid move. Aircraft Carriers are becoming obsolete like the Battleships of old. Italy would be better off investing in some good Diesel/AIP Submarines. Carriers are for Offense. The submarines I recommend are Defensive. What does Italy want a carrier for, to attack Africa!?