Rome: Italy has signaled that it may provide air defense assistance to Gulf countries amid growing concerns about potential Iranian missile and drone attacks. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the move would align Italy with similar support efforts already undertaken by the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

Speaking to Italian radio station RTL 102.5, Meloni explained that the assistance would focus on air defense systems. She noted that the decision is driven not only by Italy’s partnerships with Gulf nations but also by the need to protect Italian citizens and military personnel stationed in the region. According to Meloni, tens of thousands of Italians live across the Gulf, while about 2,000 Italian troops are deployed there. She also emphasized that the region plays a critical role in the energy security of both Italy and Europe.

Italy currently maintains several hundred troops throughout the Middle East as part of coalition and stabilization missions. These deployments include locations in Kuwait, Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan. Italian forces are also present at bases used for training, logistics, and operational support, some of which have recently faced increased risks from missiles and armed drones.

Italian officials said the government is assessing various forms of assistance, potentially including air defense batteries and counter-drone systems. However, no final decision has yet been made regarding which equipment will be sent.

One of the systems reportedly requested by partners in the region is the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system, also known as MAMBA. The system is capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously and intercepting ballistic missiles, making it a key component of modern air defense networks.

Despite this interest, Italy faces limitations in providing the system because it is already in high demand across Europe. Several units are currently being supplied to Ukraine as part of Western military assistance.

The SAMP/T system entered service with the French Air and Space Force in 2010 and with the Italian Army in 2012. France operates roughly eight batteries, while Italy initially fielded six with the Army’s 4th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment. Both countries are now working on the upgraded SAMP/T NG version and plan to expand their inventories over the coming years.