Italy likely to send air defence support to Gulf states after requests

Rome, March 4, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Italy is likely to provide military aid, including an air defence system, to Gulf nations that have requested help with equipment in the face of Iranian air strikes, two sources said on Wednesday.

The sources said a final decision had not been made, but Italy would probably send one of its SAMP/T batteries that can intercept ballistic missiles. They did not identify which country would receive the system or which battery Rome was considering redeploying.

Attacks by Israeli and U.S. forces against Iran have prompted Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes on ports, cities and oil facilities throughout the Gulf, the sources said. Italy is not particularly reliant on energy supplies from the region, but Guido Crosetto said on Monday that Rome had received requests from Gulf states for air defence and anti drone systems, including the SAMP/T, according to the sources.

A third source said Italy could also provide anti drone systems that could be transferred quickly, though a technical assessment was still under way. The source ruled out taking systems away from Ukraine, where Italy is already supplying the SAMP/T, to support Gulf states.

Asked about potential defence support linked to the latest Middle East conflict, Alfredo Mantovano said in Rome that the government was evaluating requests.

As the conflict widened towards the Mediterranean, Britain, France and Greece said on Tuesday they would send air defence forces to Cyprus after drones struck the Royal Air Force Akrotiri base on the island, according to the draft.

Italy hosts U.S. military bases. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said late on Tuesday that Rome had not received any requests to use them for operations against Iran and would evaluate any request if it arrived, according to the draft.