According to the website of Defense News Weekly on February 24th, the Italian parliament has approved the country's plan to purchase two new European multi-purpose frigates (FREMM), 132 Leopard main battle tanks, and 140 armored vehicles. The Italian Parliamentary Defense Committee approved a new procurement plan on February 21 as part of Italy's efforts to increase military spending. The increase of military expenditure in the country was stimulated to some extent by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to reports, Italy has previously ordered 10 new European multi-purpose frigates, and the latest order will bring the number of this type of frigate to 12. Italy has received 8 such frigates. The 9th and 10th frigates were sold to Egypt during construction and have now been replaced by new orders. Two European multi-purpose frigates will cost a total of 2 billion euros, and their combat management systems, radar and electronic warfare kits, as well as sonar, artillery, communication, and missile systems will be upgraded. The Italian parliament also approved Italy's plan to purchase the Leopard 2A8 tank. Italy plans to replace its aging Ram main battle tank with these tanks and fulfill its commitment to NATO. According to reports, this 14 year plan will start with a two-year research and development project to achieve the "Italian localization" of the "Panther" tank, which involves local companies adding systems to this German tank. Lorenzo Mariani, co director of Italian defense company Leonardo, told Defense News this month that Italy will add domestically manufactured components to the Leopard tank, including photoelectric sensors provided by Leonardo, software defined wireless, command and control systems, and possibly gun barrels. From 2027 to 2037, Italy will assemble 132 main battle tanks and 140 armored vehicles for other purposes (including engineering purposes) domestically. According to the documents provided to the Italian parliament, combined with years of logistics management, training, and ammunition supply, Italy expects the total cost of the plan to reach nearly 8.3 billion euros. (Lai Xin She)