Italy Takes Steps to Strengthen Naval Security in the Red Sea
As Houthi forces make advances toward a critical maritime region, Italy is ramping up its naval protection for merchant ships in the Red Sea. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has indicated that waiting for a slow European response is not an option, especially with the security situation around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait worsening.
The Houthis have been surprisingly resilient, managing to overpower Saudi-backed troops in their recent offensive. They have also conducted numerous strikes against Saudi oil infrastructure, notably the East-West Pipeline, which is vital for the kingdom’s oil exports. In fact, a significant U.S. bombing campaign back in 2025, which involved over 1,000 strikes, failed to dislodge the Houthis, leaving them in a position to potentially threaten regional interests.
Italy is already active in the European Union’s Operation Aspides but Crosetto has expressed the need for more warships to ensure safe shipping routes in the Middle East. “After what I said, it seems something stirred within Aspides, but we definitely need more ships,” Crosetto remarked recently.
Responses from the Italian Ministry of Defense and other relevant agencies have been absent. Meanwhile, a NATO spokesperson mentioned the organization’s awareness of how instability in the area could affect member countries’ security, emphasizing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation. They also highlighted the call for Iran to adhere to these principles during a recent NATO summit.
According to Crosetto, Italy and Greece are leading the charge in supporting maritime security efforts in Europe. He did not specify how many additional vessels might be needed. It’s clear that Italy is not just sending a minimal naval force to the area—far from it.
The Italian Navy boasts advanced assets like the Cavour aircraft carrier equipped with F-35B fighters, the large Trieste assault ship, and several destroyers and frigates. They’ve showcased their ability to operate alongside NATO forces, which is quite significant.
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command remains vigilant regarding the security dynamics in the Red Sea and is keeping a close eye on developments that might impact maritime security. Crosetto has instructed the Italian Navy to prepare for ensuring that Italian vessels can navigate the area safely, arguing that delays could adversely affect Italy’s economy and its citizens.
He emphasized, “When a maritime route is interrupted, goods arrive late, and prices go up for families and businesses.” The Houthis have rapidly solidified their presence along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, having taken control of the port city of Mocha and making strategic gains at Perim Island, which sits in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
This strait is only about 18 miles wide at its narrowest and serves as a vital link between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. A sustained disruption here could significantly impact the trade route between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal.
Approximately 40% of Italy’s trade relies on the Suez Canal, and any disruption in Bab el-Mandeb could choke off not just Italy’s trade but have broader consequences for global commerce. A notable amount of oil flows through this strait, underscoring its importance in the global oil supply chain.
Italy is not beginning its Red Sea operations from scratch. Recently, the frigate Bergamini escorted a merchant vessel through the area while participating in Operation Aspides. This operation is designed to provide protection for merchant vessels against potential threats at sea.
The Italian government is currently under strain from rising consumer prices and economic difficulties, which are prompting it to act decisively. Inflation has been a concern, particularly with energy prices sky-high, and the government is exploring measures to alleviate these pressures on households.
Pressure surrounding Bab el-Mandeb raises another potential bottleneck for global shipping, especially when commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is still below average due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Italy’s shipping industry has voiced strong support for an expanded naval presence, recognizing the escalating threat in the region. Assarmatori President Stefano Messina expressed confidence in the Italian Navy’s capabilities, suggesting it can effectively operate while Europe formulates its broader response.
