Italy is not at war and does not want to enter into war, reiterated Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel. But in light of the expanding crisis in the Middle East, the government has initiated a series of military and political measures to strengthen national security and prepare for potential developments in the conflict.
The first decision concerns the defense of airspace. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, in coordination with allies and NATO, has asked the Chief of Staff Luciano Portolano to raise the protection of national air and missile defense to the highest level, with particular attention to the southern regions, considered more exposed to the range of Iranian missiles. According to reports, such a measure had not been adopted since September 11, 2001.
The measures include the strengthening of crews for the scramble of Italian fighters, meaning immediate takeoff in case of emergency, and the enhancement of air missile defense systems. Simultaneously, the Department of Public Security has sent a circular to prefects and police chiefs to increase surveillance on American military bases in Italy and on sensitive sites related to the military production chain.
Gulf Aid: Samp-T, Anti-Drone, and Logistical Support
On the international front, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait have requested defensive support from Italy. At the top of the list is the Samp-T, the land-based missile defense system considered today the main European capability able to counter ballistic and aerial attacks. Italy, along with France, is indeed one of the few European countries to possess it.
The aid package could also include C-Uas anti-drone systems, radar and satellite equipment, the Skynex cannon, in the process of being delivered to Italian units, and the Grifo missile launcher, which has a shorter range compared to the Samp-T. On the front of close defense against unmanned aircraft, Italy could also provide jammer-bazookas, portable devices already in use by the Air Force riflemen and Army anti-aircraft artillery, capable of intercepting radio frequencies, disrupting signals, and neutralizing hostile drones.
The issue remains political as well as operational. The deployment of these systems requires a government measure and a subsequent parliamentary passage. There is also a technical issue: the Samp-T requires highly specialized personnel, and any transfer would also involve training times and an internal availability problem, given that Italy would have only three to five, while one has already been delivered to Ukraine and the updated version Ng, New Generation is still awaited.
Alongside defensive armaments, Rome could also offer logistics and supply solutions, such as tankers and transport aircraft, thus strengthening support for Arab partners without direct involvement in combat.
The Martinengo in Cyprus and the Issue of US Bases in Italy
On the Eastern Mediterranean front, Italy has decided to send the missile frigate Federico Martinengo to the Cyprus area, as part of a coordinated setup with Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands. Onboard will operate at least 160 men of the Italian Navy. The ship replaces the hypothesis circulated in the previous hours about the possible departure of the Schergat: in the end, the choice fell on the Martinengo, one of the most advanced platforms of Italian naval defense.
The Federico Martinengo, built by Fincantieri at the Riva Trigoso shipyard and delivered to the Navy on April 24, 2018, is the seventh Italian Fremm unit and the third in multi-role configuration after the Carlo Bergamini and the Luigi Rizzo. It is a frigate 144 meters long, 19.7 meters wide, with a full load displacement of 6,900 tons, a maximum speed of 27 knots, and a total capacity of up to 200 people between crew and personnel.
Operationally, the Martinengo is equipped with sophisticated radar and sonar, can host SH90 and EH101 helicopters, and is capable of detecting drones or rockets up to about 200 kilometers away. To neutralize threats, it is equipped with Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles, active up to about 100 kilometers, in addition to a very extensive arsenal that includes anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles, cannons, machine guns, and torpedoes. Among the weapon systems are the 127/64 Vulcano cannon, the 76/62 Davide-Strales, the SAAM-ESD missile system with Aster 15-30, the Teseo MK 2/A, the Marte system embarked on a helicopter, the 25mm SRA machine gun, and the MU90 lightweight torpedoes. Last year, the ship had already completed its European mission Eunavfor Aspides in the Red Sea, where it contributed to the protection of merchant traffic from Houthi threats.
The issue of US military bases on Italian territory remains open, starting with Sigonella in Sicily, one of the most sensitive nodes of the entire American system in the Mediterranean. Currently, US drones and aircraft use these facilities for refueling, logistics, and surveillance, based on existing international agreements. It would be different in the case of use for offensive actions or bombings: in that case, a political green light from the Italian government would be needed.
Meloni recalled that the presence of US bases is regulated by bilateral agreements dating back to 1954, updated over time, and that currently there are no requests for use other than logistical and technical support. But she also clarified that, if such a request were to arrive, the decision would be shared with Parliament.
Evacuations, Military Repositioning, and Government's Political Line
The crisis has already had concrete effects on the Italian presence in the area. In Kuwait, 239 of the 321 Italian military personnel present at the Ali Al Salem base have been transferred to Saudi Arabia, while 82 remain on site. Also in Qatar, 7 of the 10 Italian soldiers are reaching Saudi Arabia. In Bahrain, where five military personnel were present, the withdrawal of personnel is underway. In Lebanon, however, the situation remains under observation: if an evacuation is decided, an Italian ship would already be ready to intervene. Before the outbreak of the crisis, a total of 2,576 Italian military personnel were present in the affected area.
Politically, Parliament has approved by majority a resolution setting three main lines of action: defense of European countries, management of the use of bases granted to the United States, and support for Gulf countries. The document commits the government to participate, within the European framework, in the common effort to help any EU member states defend themselves from missile or drone attacks originating from Iran, and to confirm that the use of military installations in Italy continues to respect the legal framework defined by international agreements.
The executive's line, therefore, remains to strengthen defense, support allies, and maintain political control over any potential escalation, trying to balance national security, international obligations, and the role of Parliament. In a phase where the conflict risks expanding, Italy tries to act as a strategic rear and support actor, without becoming a belligerent party.
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