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Eurofighters, an E-550A CAEW, radars and counter-drone systems are officially confirmed, while reports indicate that SAMP/T and Skynex batteries are also part of a force of at least 700 personnel.

“Since the second half of March 2026, following the crisis in the Gulf region and the request for support from partner countries, the Italian Ministry of Defense has deployed an Air Force unit to support the Armed Forces and Security Forces of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The Task Force Air – Arabia contributes to the surveillance and defense of airspace, as well as the protection of national forces and interests in the area.” These is how the Italian Ministry of Defense describes the Task Force it quietly deployed to Saudi Arabia to support the air defense of the Gulf Allies against the Iralianian drone and missile strikes.

While not secret, as demonstrated by the dedicated page on the Italian Ministry of Defence website, the deployment had remained largely out of the spotlight and public opinion knowledge until Italian journalist Fausto Biloslavo reported on it for Il Giornale.

The badge of the Task Force Air – Arabia | Source: Italian MOD

The Italian MOD website provides some interesting details about the composition of such contingent: its contingent consists of approximately 400 Italian Air Force personnel, deployed in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Commanded by an Italian Air Force Colonel, the Task Force Air – Arabia includes:

Task Group Argo, equipped with E-550A CAEW aircraft, a multi-sensor system for early warning, aerial surveillance, and command, control, and communications functions. This asset allows for the detection, identification, and tracking of potential air threats, providing decision-makers and other deployed assets with an up-to-date information picture of the area of ​​operations.
Task Group Typhoon, composed of four Eurofighter F-2000A aircraft, used to help defend assigned airspace.
Task Group Medal, equipped with C-130J/KC-130J transport aircraft, used for tactical transport missions and support for operational activities in the main theaters of national interest in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, as well as for any medical evacuation needs.
Task Group Kuwait, which ensures air surveillance capabilities through an AN/TPS-77 air defense radar and provides specialized technical support to Kuwait Air Force aircraft.
Task Group C-UAS, equipped with the ACUS-E anti-drone system, used to counter small unmanned aerial systems.

The Task Groups’ activities are supported by personnel, vehicles, and materials dedicated to the logistical and administrative support of the entire national force.

While the Ministry does not say where the Task Force is based, analysis of Italian Air Force aircraft movements in the region clearly shows Al Taif Air Base, officially known as King Fahd Air Base, as the forward operating base for the Italian aircraft.

It is interesting to see the Italian Air Force’s continued use of Taif, a pattern we have observed since the beginning of the Gulf conflict.https://t.co/ZrQIE3Yz1T

— itamilradar (@ItaMilRadar) July 27, 2026

The airbase is located in western Saudi Arabia, near the Red Sea, far beyond the standard operational range of many Iranian one-way attack drone and missile threats compared to other installations in the region, still close enough to launch assets supporting the air defense of the region. The base also hosts Royal Saudi Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets, making it the perfect choice for the Italian Air Force F-2000s.

As we reported, four Italian F-2000s were deployed to Ali Al Salem AB, in Kuwait, when the base came under Iranian attack on Mar. 15, 2026. The attack destroyed an Italian Air Force MQ-9A Reaper and damaged one Eurofighter Typhoon. Three returned to Italy a few days later, with the status of the fourth one still unknown.

When the Eurofighter where deployed to Al Taif AB is not clear but it should have been towards the end of the same month (March 2026).

Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon pilots conduct combined personnel recovery and slow-moving target intercept validation with the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard on July 1, 2023, at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.  (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anastasia Strong) | Source: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anastasia Strong

Interestingly, according to Biloslavo, also deployed to the region is a land contingent of the Italian Army, the Task Force Land – Arabia, comprising about 300 personnel, half of those in Saudi Arabia. While its existence is also acknowledged by the Italian MOD website, no additional details are provided about its composition. Biloslavo says the Task Force Land – Arabia is equipped with a SAMP/T battery for air and missile defence, one KRONOS radar in Saudi Arabia and another in Bahrain, and a Skynex anti-aircraft artillery battery in the UAE.