Italy begins relocating Gulf forces after Houthi attack on Saudi base
Italian military personnel and equipment stationed in Saudi Arabia are being moved to safer positions following a Houthi attack on the Ta'if air base that destroyed an Italian Eurofighter jet. The decision emerged from a high-level meeting at Palazzo Chigi attended by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Republic Security Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, along with the heads of Italy's armed forces and intelligence services.
What prompted the relocation
The attack on the Saudi base marked a significant escalation in the Yemeni rebels' campaign. An Italian Eurofighter F-2000 was destroyed in the strike, though no Italian personnel were wounded. The incident forced a reassessment of risk for the roughly 100 Italian personnel deployed with the Cerbero land task force and air units across the Gulf region.
Crosetto confirmed that evaluations are underway with "the principal focus on the safety of the contingents and our national presence in the area." He added that security measures for all air assets have already been increased.
The Houthi spokesperson stated there was no intention to target an Italian asset specifically. Italy maintains that operations will continue under existing international commitments, including the Inherent Resolve mission against the Islamic State.
Which assets are moving
The relocation affects Italy's Task Force Arabia, based at the King Fahd hub. According to the Defence Ministry assessment, relocating personnel to safer areas is now more likely than reducing the contingent outright.
Equipment being repositioned includes:
• The remaining three operational Eurofighter jets
• The Gulfstream Caew radar aircraft, considered the most valuable surveillance asset in the fleet
• The Samp-T next-generation air defence system
• The Kronos Grand Mobile High Power radar
Italy has the authority to move its forces at any time under current agreements. The country also maintains contingents in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, where army units are deployed for land operations.
Red Sea mission and call for EU burden-sharing
Separately, the Chigi meeting addressed the security of commercial shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has called for strengthening the Aspides mission, which protects merchant vessels from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Italy currently contributes the frigate Bergamini alongside a Greek vessel. Rome has indicated it is prepared to provide additional naval assets but only if other EU member states contribute proportionate financial support. The mission's mandate runs until February 28, 2027, with approximately €15 million allocated for common costs.
Defence officials noted it would be desirable for more countries to contribute naval escorts or aerial surveillance. Alternatively, Italy expects states that do not send assets to fund those that do.
What this means for personnel and families
For the military personnel stationed in the Gulf, the immediate effect is operational. Movements and repositioning are ordered on security grounds, not as a drawdown. Italy's commitments in the region remain active, meaning deployments continue but under revised protective measures.
Italian commercial shipping interests remain at stake in the Red Sea corridor. The Defence Ministry has reiterated that safeguarding merchant traffic is a priority, which explains Italy's continued willingness to support the Aspides mission despite the financial burden.
