Italy prepares naval mission to protect shipping in the Red Sea

Friday 18 September 2026 - 23:55

By: Azzat Manal

Italy prepares naval mission to protect shipping in the Red Sea

Italy is preparing a new naval deployment in the Red Sea to help protect commercial shipping as growing regional tensions raise concerns over the safety of vessels using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Rome believes a stronger maritime presence is needed to respond quickly to security risks in one of the world's most important shipping corridors. Italy is already involved in the European Union's Aspides naval operation, which was launched in 2024 to help safeguard commercial vessels from attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement.

Crosetto said the recent developments had prompted Italy to prepare additional measures rather than wait for a broader European response. He noted that progress had been made within the Aspides framework, but argued that more ships were required to provide adequate protection for maritime traffic.

The Italian defence minister also said that Italy and Greece were currently among the countries providing the most active support for maritime security efforts in the area. He did not disclose how many additional vessels Italy could deploy or provide details on the assets being considered.

The security situation is particularly significant for international trade because the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and provides a key route between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal. Any prolonged disruption can force shipping companies to take longer routes around Africa, increasing travel times and operating costs.

According to commodity data provider Kpler, oil volumes passing through the Bab el-Mandeb represented around 7% of global oil production in June. Italian shipowners' association Assarmatori has also highlighted the importance of the Suez route, estimating that around 40% of Italy's trade with the rest of the world passes through the canal.

Crosetto said Italy did not want administrative delays at the European level to slow down its response to the deteriorating security environment. Rome has yet to announce the precise composition, timetable or operational scope of the planned naval mission.

The move comes as maritime security has become increasingly important across the wider Middle East, with disruptions affecting several strategic waterways and adding pressure to global supply chains.