Italy is to deploy naval personnel to help defend Cyprus amid the escalating Middle East conflict, the defence ministry said on Friday.
At least 160 members of the Italian Navy will be sent aboard an Italian warship to the area around Cyprus after the island was struck earlier this week by an Iranian-made drone during the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The deployment forms part of a broader European effort to reinforce security in the eastern Mediterranean following the attack, which targeted the British RAF base at Akrotiri and raised concerns about the safety of regional infrastructure and military facilities.
Italy’s defence ministry said the mission would involve at least 160 personnel, although the final number could change depending on whether a frigate or a destroyer is assigned to the operation.
Coordinated response with other European countries
The move is being coordinated with Spain, France and the Netherlands, which are also sending naval assets to support Cyprus and strengthen air-defence capabilities in the region.
European governments began mobilising military resources after drones linked to Iran or its regional allies struck or threatened targets on the island earlier this week, highlighting the risk that the wider conflict could spill into the eastern Mediterranean.
Spain has announced the deployment of its advanced frigate Cristóbal Colón, while France and Greece have already dispatched naval and air-defence units to help protect Cyprus and deter further attacks.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told parliament that the situation remained highly volatile, warning that the retaliatory phase of the conflict could produce unpredictable developments.
The naval deployment is part of a broader series of measures taken by Rome in response to the crisis. The Italian government has also discussed providing air-defence assistance to Gulf countries and increasing protection for Italian personnel and civilians in the region as tensions continue to escalate.
