Italy has confirmed that several Gulf countries have requested advanced air defense and anti-drone systems amid rising regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, according to Defence Minister Guido Crosetto during a parliamentary hearing on Monday.

Escalating Regional Conflict

The conflict has intensified as Israel launched attacks on Lebanon in response to strikes by the militant group Hezbollah. In turn, Tehran has launched missiles and drones at Gulf states, with an Iranian-made drone hitting a British air base in Cyprus, signaling a broader regional escalation.

Crosetto described the situation as a growing concern for Gulf nations, who are seeking to bolster their defense capabilities, particularly in air defense and anti-drone technologies.

“The Gulf countries are expressing strong concern about the evolution of the crisis and have indicated the urgent need to strengthen their defense capabilities, particularly air defense and anti-drone,” Crosetto said.

Italy’s SAMP/T System in High Demand

Among the systems requested by Gulf nations is the SAMP/T, a Franco-Italian battery also known as MAMBA, capable of tracking dozens of targets and intercepting 10 at once. It is the only European-made system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

Italy is already supplying SAMP/T systems to Ukraine to help defend against Russian attacks. However, Crosetto noted that further availability for Gulf states is difficult due to existing commitments.

“It is a very delicate issue, considering that these capabilities are already heavily strained and limited in light of European needs and the support provided so far to Ukraine,” Crosetto said during the parliamentary hearing.

Crosetto, who recently returned from Dubai after being stranded with his family following an attack on Iran, emphasized the challenges of meeting the new demand while maintaining support for Ukraine.

Regional Security Concerns for Italy

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who also addressed lawmakers alongside Crosetto, stated that the conflict represents a direct threat to Italy’s security. He noted the potential for the crisis to spill over into Mediterranean waters, where Italian interests are at stake.

The minister highlighted the need for a coordinated European response to the escalating situation, emphasizing the importance of strengthening alliances and defense capabilities across the region.

“This is not just a regional issue, but one that affects the stability of the entire Mediterranean and has implications for global security,” Tajani said.

Italy’s role in the region has grown significantly in recent years, with the country playing a key role in supplying military equipment and participating in international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

With the Gulf countries seeking advanced air defense systems, the demand for Italian military technology is expected to increase, potentially leading to new defense contracts and strategic partnerships.

Analysts suggest that the situation could lead to a broader re-evaluation of European defense policies, with a greater emphasis on self-reliance and regional security cooperation.

As the conflict continues to evolve, Italy’s ability to meet the needs of both Ukraine and its Gulf allies will be closely watched by European and international observers.