Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Italy Deploys Troops to Gulf Amid Opposition Criticism
Italy has sent about 400 soldiers and some aircraft to the Gulf region to help protect Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.
The troops include Eurofighter jets and equipment that can spot and stop drones.
Some Italian lawmakers say the government didn’t ask Parliament for permission, but the defense minister says the plan was fully explained.
Italy’s leader, Giorgia Meloni, visited the Gulf earlier this year to show support for its allies.
The move comes after Iran launched attacks in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Italy has deployed 400 air force personnel to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain since March.
The contingent includes four Eurofighter jets, air‑defence radars and a counter‑drone system.
Opposition Democratic Party lawmakers claim the mission lacked parliamentary approval for Saudi Arabia.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto says the mission’s legal and operational framework was fully disclosed.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the Gulf in April to support allies after Iranian attacks.
- Who
- Italian defense minister Guido Crosetto, opposition Democratic Party, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
- What
- Deployment of Italian troops and military assets to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain
- When
- Since March; article published July 31, 2024
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Gulf region
- Why
- To support Gulf allies after Iranian retaliatory attacks and provide air‑defence and counter‑drone support
- Country
- Italy
- Deployment size
- 400 personnel
- Assets
- Eurofighter jets, air‑defence radars, counter‑drone system
- Opposition party
- Democratic Party
- Prime Minister
- Giorgia Meloni