Minister of the Navy (Italy)

The Minister of the Navy (Italian: Ministro della Marina) was a cabinet-level position in the Italian government responsible for overseeing the Regia Marina (Royal Navy) and, later, the Marina Militare (Italian Navy). The ministry existed from the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 until 1947, when it was merged with the Ministry of Aeronautics and the Ministry of War to form the Ministry of Defence.

The Minister was responsible for the administration, organization, and operational readiness of the Italian Navy. Their duties included proposing naval policy, overseeing naval construction and procurement, appointing senior naval officers, and managing the naval budget. During wartime, the Minister would play a crucial role in directing naval strategy and operations.

Following the establishment of the Italian Republic in 1946, the need for separate ministries for each branch of the armed forces was questioned. The creation of the Ministry of Defence in 1947 consolidated control over the military under a single minister, streamlining administration and promoting inter-service cooperation. The responsibilities previously held by the Minister of the Navy are now carried out by the Minister of Defence, with the Chief of Staff of the Navy reporting to the Minister of Defence regarding naval operations and administration.