Based on recent reports, your statement appears to be a slight confusion of two different events: a major defense conference happening in Rome and Italy's separate, ongoing aircraft purchases.
Here is a clarification of the situation:
1. The "Autonomous Jets in Rome" News
You are likely referring to the news that General Atomics is showcasing its new autonomous fighter jets at the International Fighter Conference in Rome this week (November 2025).
It's a Showcase, Not a Sale: General Atomics is heavily promoting its new line of uncrewed "Collaborative Combat Aircraft" (CCA), including the Gambit 6 and YFQ-42A, at this event.
Headlines like "The Future of Autonomous Fighters Is Coming To Rome" refer to this conference. - No Purchase Announced: There have been no official reports or announcements that Italy (Rome) has purchased these new autonomous fighter jets.
- Future Availability: In fact, General Atomics has stated that these new autonomous jets will only be available for international purchase starting in 2027, with "European missionized versions" deliverable in 20292. What Italy Does Buy from General AtomicsItaly is a long-standing partner and customer of General Atomics, but it buys a different class of aircraft from them:
- MQ-9 Reaper Drones: The Italian Air Force operates a fleet of MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs), which are used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissanceRecent Purchase: The most recent confirmed sale, approved by the U.S. State Department in August 2024, was for Italy to purchase six additional MQ-9 Reaper drones and to upgrade its existing fleet.
- In summary, General Atomics is in Rome showing its new autonomous fighter jets to potential future customers, but Italy has not bought them. The actual, confirmed purchases between Italy and General Atomics are for the MQ-9 Reaper, which is a remotely-piloted drone, not a next-generation autonomous fighter
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