Several Gulf countries entangled in the armed conflict between the US and Israel against Iran have sought air defense and anti-drone systems from Italy.
The reported requests included the Franco-Italian Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain system, better known as SAMP/T, which can simultaneously track and engage up to 10 targets, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft.
However, as the European system is already being supplied to Ukraine to boost its defenses against Russia, the capabilities are “heavily strained and limited,” Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto informed the country’s lawmakers, as per Reuters.
The SAMP/T is also in service with France and Italy, with Denmark awaiting deliveries and Switzerland considering procurement amid delays in the delivery of the Patriot air defense system.
Meanwhile, Ukraine offered US allies in the Middle East its vaunted drone interceptors built to combat rogue drones, including the Iranian-designed Shaheds.
Kyiv wants air defense missiles in exchange, as it struggles with a shortage of PAC-3 air defense missiles.
Conflict Expansion
Since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, killing the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the conflict has spread across the Middle East.
Iranian forces retaliated by targeting US bases and critical infrastructure in its neighboring Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE.
Hezbollah attacked Israel, which expanded its bombing campaign against the Iran-backed militant group’s dominated areas in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, an Iranian-made drone struck a British air base in Cyprus, prompting the UK to dispatch Wildcat helicopters with counter-drone capabilities and the HMS Dragon Type 45 air defense destroyer to the Mediterranean country.
