Italy Considers Sending Warship to Cyprus Amid Regional Tensions

The security of Cyprus and the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean were the subjects of an emergency meeting of the Italian government in Rome amid the escalation of the conflict surrounding Iran.

According to Italian media, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a meeting at Palazzo Chigi with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. The meeting discussed support measures for allies in the Middle East and strengthening the security of Cyprus, which is considered vulnerable to the consequences of regional escalation.

Among the options being considered is the dispatch of an Italian military frigate to the island's area to strengthen air defense and protect commercial shipping.

FREMM-class frigates are equipped with radars capable of detecting threats at a distance of up to 200 kilometers, as well as Aster-30 missiles with a range of about 100 kilometers. Particular attention is also paid to the 76mm rapid-fire gun, which is considered effective against drones.

Alternatively, the deployment of the destroyer Caio Duilio, equipped with one of the Italian Navy's most powerful radars and an air defense system with a range of up to 350 kilometers, is being discussed.

In addition, Italy is considering the possibility of sending SAMP-T air defense systems and other military equipment to Persian Gulf countries—including the UAE and Kuwait—for protection against drone attacks.