The exercises are essential for the Italian armed forces to fulfill their duties "both domestically and internationally." Furthermore, the use of firing ranges "has already been largely limited, in terms of methods and timing, in accordance with local requirements." These are the reasons that led Defense Minister Guido Crosetto to authorize the transformation of Sardinia's military zones, both land and sea, into battlefields and live-fire training areas for the second half of 2026—actually, from October 1st to the end of December—again, this fall.
The position of the Meloni government representative—which does not differ from that of her predecessor, regardless of political affiliation—is expressed in the measure, which overrides the rejection expressed on June 30 by the Joint Committee on Military Easements. The civilian members of Comipa had complained about the lack of information on actual activities at the ranges, unannounced changes to the program, and requested clarity regarding the use of the areas by defense industries for their experiments. They had rejected the use of Quirra-Perdasdefogu, Capo Frasca, and Teulada. A ministerial decree, in compliance with the military code, overcame their opposition.
In recent days, the roads of southern Sardinia have filled with convoys of armored vehicles headed for Teulada , and the relevant coastguards have issued orders prohibiting navigation in the sea that will be used by ships and for missile launches, not only during the Joint Stars 26 exercise. In short, it's starting again. Like every year.
"I emphasize that the failure to carry out the scheduled training activities at the ranges in question, the use of which has already been largely limited, in terms of methods and timing, in accordance with local requirements," Crosetto wrote, "would impede the proper preparation of the military instrument —in relation to the Defense's institutional tasks—essential for the operational deployment of personnel, in safe conditions, in carrying out the assigned missions both domestically and internationally." The reference to a "large" reduction perhaps refers to the Environmental Impact Assessment (VINCA) requested and obtained for Teulada, according to which some landing areas were eliminated. However, that measure has been challenged before the Regional Administrative Court.
Aware of the sensitive nature of the issue, the minister added, "this ministry has continued and will continue, with determination and conviction, to constantly consolidate and strengthen the system of relations between our institutions, as an essential element for fully reconciling the essential economic and social development of the region with the equally essential military needs, with a view to achieving shared institutional objectives."
