STANDARDMILITARYVERIFIED
Italy pledges anti-drone systems to Gulf states and naval support to Cyprus
·Rome, Italy
Italian PM Meloni confirms Italy will send air defence systems to Gulf nations facing Iranian drone and missile attacks, and deploy naval assets to Cyprus alongside UK forces. Italy cites protection of Italian citizens and troops in the region.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed on Thursday that Rome would respond to requests from Gulf nations seeking air defence equipment against Iranian strikes. Italy will provide anti-missile and anti-drone defence systems to Gulf countries and deploy naval support to Cyprus alongside British forces. Meloni stated the action was necessary to protect Italian citizens and troops already in the region. Italy has also heightened its own national air defence readiness. The move follows France authorizing US forces to use French bases, contrasting with Spain. Italy becomes the fourth European country to take active military measures in the conflict after the UK, France, and Greece.
italynatomeloniair-defensegulfcyprus
Actor responses
Italy's deployment of air defence capabilities to Gulf states and Cyprus reinforces the alliance's collective defence posture.
Pentagon welcomes Italy's contribution of air defence systems to Gulf partners. Coalition air defence network is strengthening.
Sources