Italy has received requests to supply air defense and counter-drone systems from Gulf countries drawn into the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told parliament.

"The Gulf states are expressing serious concern about the development of the crisis and have indicated an urgent need to strengthen their defense capabilities, particularly in the areas of air defense and counter-drone systems," Crosetto stated.

The minister specified that the requests include SAMP/T batteries — a Franco-Italian system also known as MAMBA — which is capable of tracking dozens of targets and intercepting up to ten simultaneously. It is the only European system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

Italy is already supplying SAMP/T batteries to Ukraine for protection against Russian attacks, meaning further availability of these systems for Gulf states is limited.

"This is a very sensitive issue, given that these capabilities are already heavily strained and constrained in light of Europe's needs and the support provided to Ukraine so far," Crosetto noted during the parliamentary hearing.

Crosetto, who returned to Rome on Sunday after being stranded with his family in Dubai due to strikes on Iran, addressed lawmakers alongside Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who emphasized that the conflict poses a direct threat to Italy's security.