Italy eyes new ASW capability
To address a critical gap in its long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, Italy is pursuing a maritime variant of the Bombardier Global 6500.
At the 2025 Paris Air Show, Leonardo and Bombardier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a Maritime Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) variant of the Global 6500. This platform would integrate Leonardo’s ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) mission system and advanced sensors such as the Osprey AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar.
Italy retired its Breguet Atlantic long-range ASW aircraft in 2017 and temporarily relied on ATR72MPs (P-72A), which focused on ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) missions, but lacked ASW capabilities. With rising submarine activity in the Mediterranean and surrounding regions, restoring long-range ASW capability is now seen as a strategic priority. Italy’s strategic ambitions in the “wider Mediterranean” and Indo-Pacific regions call for robust expeditionary naval air power—centered on aircraft carriers, submarines, and amphibious ships. A maritime expeditionary patrol jet aligns with and supports this vision.
The Global 6500 is well-suited for this role, offering endurance of up to 18 hours, high-altitude performance, and a spacious cabin capable of accommodating operator consoles, ASW equipment, and mission systems. Its airframe supports the integration of sonobuoy launchers, magnetic anomaly detectors (MAD), EO/IR systems, AESA radar, and weapons such as torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
Italy’s 2024–2026 Defence Planning Document includes the planned acquisition of six new M3A aircraft, with initial funding for two platforms. These aircraft are intended specifically for ASW, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) missions. Compared to larger platforms like the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, adapting a business jet such as the Global 6500 is seen as faster and more cost-effective.
While the programme remains in the development and exploration phase, if adopted, it could rapidly revitalize Italy’s maritime patrol fleet with a highly capable and modern solution.
Credit image: Leonardo/Bombardier