Italy Conditions Red Sea Naval Boost on Wider European Commitment, Says Defence Minister

Italy is prepared to increase its contribution to the EU's naval mission aimed at protecting shipping in the Red Sea, provided that other European nations are ready to step up their efforts, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated in an exclusive interview in Rome with The National.

Mr Crosetto also noted that Italy previously responded to a request for assistance from Saudi Arabia during the conflict, deploying radars, anti-mismatch batteries, and other equipment to help the kingdom defend against attacks from Iran and subsequently from Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated last month that the EU’s Aspides mission needs to expand its numbers to exceed 10 warships. This week, she indicated that two countries have expressed interest in sending vessels to the Red Sea to counter strikes by the Iran-aligned Houthis.

“We are one of the countries that believed in the Aspides mission from the very beginning, and one of the few countries in Europe that, from the outset, deployed ships to the Aspides mission,” Mr Crosetto explained. “We have done so by always keeping one ship deployed. We are also willing to increase our contribution, but when we see the same willingness from the rest of Europe to increase its presence. As of today, it is us, the Greeks and sometimes France.”

Launched in 2024 to safeguard shipping from Houthi attacks, the Aspides mission currently operates with six warships, according to diplomats. Ms Kallas has actively pushed nations to commit further resources.

“They cannot just be any ships. They have to be modern ships, with the technological capabilities and speed required to carry out their mission… top-class naval units, not ships that are 40 years old and perhaps lack the necessary technology,” Mr Crosetto emphasized.

This situation has grown increasingly urgent for the EU following Houthi advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast and subsequent strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure and shipping vessels. These attacks have heightened concerns over potential fuel supply disruptions, which remain constrained due to the ongoing Iran war.

Saudi Arabia has utilized its Red Sea export route through Yanbu to circumvent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with crude loadings at the facility nearing capacity in July. The Bab Al Mandeb strait serves as a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, forming part of the crucial trade route linking Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal. Approximately 40 per cent of Italy’s international trade relies on the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.

“Italy was one of the countries that responded before others to Saudi Arabia’s request for assistance when this absurd war began,” Mr Crosetto said. “We sent radars, we sent anti-missile batteries and we sent assets capable of providing Saudi Arabia with technological assistance in defending itself against Iranian attacks… and capable of assisting it also against attacks when they came from the Houthis.”

Mr Crosetto urged Europe to assume a greater responsibility in ensuring stability across both Middle East straits, warning that disruptions directly threaten Arab economies and European industry.

“Given that the crisis that first emerged in Hormuz and now in Bab Al Mandeb is creating major difficulties for European economies, and therefore for European citizens, I believe Europe should play a much greater role than it has so far in trying to bring about peace,” he stated. “I have always supported a greater role for Europe, and I hope this can be achieved even beyond Operation Aspides.”

Rome previously deployed two minehunters to Djibouti for several months, awaiting authorization to utilize them in the Strait of Hormuz. “We then brought them back to Italy because there was no operation that would have allowed us to employ them,” Mr Crosetto remarked.

He observed that the crisis has strengthened Italy’s long-standing relationship with the Gulf, characterizing it as a partnership of sustained cooperation. Military backing provided to Gulf states during the Middle East conflict—including assistance following Iranian strikes on regional countries—further highlights the strength of these ties, he added.

Since March, Italy has supplied air-defence and radar systems while enhancing military partnerships with several Gulf nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

“In particular with the UAE, important military and industrial co-operation initiatives have been launched in recent months, which can only be further strengthened once the conflict is over,” Mr Crosetto noted.

Regarding Lebanon, Italy is actively organizing a new international mission to succeed the UN peacekeeping force Unifil, though the initiative requires approval from the United States, he pointed out.

“We are preparing a mission to replace Unifil. We are working to build it,” said Mr Crosetto. “However, we need an international framework, which is why we are also looking to Europe and pursuing dialogue with the United States, because a mission in Lebanon cannot be established without an agreement with the United States.”

While the UN Security Council has scheduled Unifil to begin withdrawing by the end of 2026, Lebanon has requested an extension, prompting European and Arab nations to explore alternatives to prevent a security vacuum in the south.

Italy maintains over 1,000 military personnel in Lebanon, serving as a major Unifil contributor where it commands Sector West, alongside running the Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Lebanon to train and support the Lebanese army. Italy also leads the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon.

Mr Crosetto expressed a preference for Unifil to continue, noting that modified rules of engagement would be necessary for success. “That would be the ideal solution, but it is not possible. Israel opposes it,” he stated, adding that the international presence must adapt to current realities on the ground.

Addressing Italy's defence spending, Mr Crosetto confirmed that the country's defence budget has risen and must continue climbing to meet NATO targets. However, he emphasized that the primary challenge lies in optimizing resource allocation as security threats evolve.

“The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have taught us that threats are changing and that a country can be threatened with relatively inexpensive weapons,” he said, advocating for increased investments in counter-drone technologies, artificial intelligence, and integrated air defence.

Italy is also re-evaluating ground warfare and surveillance capabilities as part of a comprehensive defence modernization program.