Italy is preparing to face the international crisis in the Middle East, with a series of military and political measures. Here are the government’s main moves:
Maximum shield
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has given a mandate to the Chief of Staff to raise the level of protection of the national air and anti-ballistic defense to the maximum in coordination with allies and NATO. The last provision of this type dates back to 11 September 2001 on the occasion of the attack on the Twin Towers. The initiative could include an increase in crews for the scramble (take-off for emergency reasons) of Italian fighters from our country and air missile defense systems, particularly in the territories of southern Italy most at risk of being reached by ballistic missiles. Furthermore, the Department of Public Security sent prefects and police commissioners a circular to strengthen supervision of American military bases in Italy and sensitive sites attributable to the production chain of military interest.
US bases only with the approval of Parliament
at Sigonella airport in Sicily, one of the main American military infrastructures on Italian territory, American drones and planes currently use – thanks to existing treaties – the airport for refueling, logistics and aerial surveillance. According to the agreements, in the event that the United States intends to use the post as a launch pad for war purposes – such as attacks on Tehran – the approval of the Italian government is required. However, the Executive has announced that it will share any decisions on the granting of US bases in this sense with Parliament.
Aid in the Gulf
a provision is expected soon that provides for the sending of air defense systems to the Middle East for the Gulf countries that have requested them, such as Qatar, the Emirates and Kuwait. The package includes anti-drone devices and anti-missile instruments, which is why the sending of the powerful Samp T system is very likely. From a regulatory point of view, the method of sending is not yet clear: certainly the measure decided by the government will then have to pass the examination of the Chambers.
Ships in defense of Cyprus
In coordination with Spain, France and the Netherlands, Italy will send a ship to protect Cyprus’ air defense in the next few days, after the island ended up in the crosshairs of Iranian missiles. Rome could decide to send the ‘Schergat’, currently involved in the Safe Mediterranean operation, which among its tasks is to guarantee security. In any case it will be a frigate that can be used as an anti-drone with a radar defense system that spots intruders about two hundred kilometers away. They have Aster 30 missiles (the same ones used with the Samp T) with a range of one hundred kilometers and a 76 millimeter cannon.
Evacuation of soldiers
In Kuwait, a movement of 239 Italian soldiers is underway towards Saudi Arabia: of the 321, 82 will remain. Also in Qatar, 7 of the 10 soldiers are reaching Saudi Arabia. In Bahrain, where there are 5 soldiers, personnel are being withdrawn. In Lebanon, we are awaiting developments and further assessments: if we decide to evacuate, an Italian ship is ready to arrive for this type of operation. Before the start of the conflict, there were 2,576 soldiers from our country in the area affected by the crisis in the Middle East.