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Italy’s presence in the Persian Gulf and its military cooperation with Kuwait are growing stronger. Leonardo has signed a contract with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a subsidiary of the EDGE Group, to supply naval combat systems for a new generation of patrol vessels ordered from the shipbuilder by Kuwait.
Under the “Al Dorra” programme, Kuwait has begun modernising its naval component by ordering eight FALAJ 3 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), built in the United Arab Emirates by ADSB.
Military and commercial agreements between Italy and Kuwait
Cooperation in the military and commercial fields between Italy and Kuwait was consolidated last year: the Italian Air Force and the Kuwait Air Force renewed their partnership on Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, signing a three-year agreement that provides for personnel training, support in electronic warfare and the joint management of activities.
In 2016, Kuwait ordered 28 advanced aircraft built in Italy by Leonardo. Most of the Eurofighter Typhoons are already operational in the emirate. Kuwait’s Defence Ministry has also extended integrated logistics support and local training services. These activities will be provided by Leonardo Aviation Services at the Ali Al Salem air base until December 2029, consolidating strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Italy also maintains an active military presence in Kuwait with 320 troops deployed at the Ali Al Salem base, where MQ-9A “Predator” unmanned aircraft from Task Group “Araba Fenice” and F-2000A “Eurofighter” jets from Task Group “Typhoon” are also stationed, with a mission to contribute effectively to operations “aimed at definitively defeating Daesh”, the Italian Defence Ministry explains.
An MQ-9A drone parked at the base was hit last March, two weeks after the start of the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran, in an attack by Tehran, but no injuries among Italian personnel or damage to other assets were reported.
At the Ali Al Salem base, the military carry out surveillance, reconnaissance and data-gathering operations in order to help ensure the security of the civilian population and the military personnel operating in Iraq.
The Italian contingent also conducts joint exercises with the Iraqi Air Force, aimed at promoting integration and the sharing of training, in a spirit of cooperation in the service of peace and stability throughout the region.
How Leonardo is strengthening its presence in the Persian Gulf
Returning to cooperation between Leonardo and EDGE, the partnership signed twenty years ago has made it possible to deliver around 30 naval units. The contract signed for the patrol vessels ordered by Kuwait is estimated to be worth 320 million euro and includes the supply by Leonardo of the Combat Management System (CMS), the 76 mm SUPER RAPIDO gun, fitted with STRALES guided ammunition, and the KRONOS NAVAL HP radar.
The strengthening of cooperation between Leonardo and EDGE Group is speeding up the creation of a joint venture, announced in June and scheduled to become operational during 2026. The company will be 51% owned by the Emirati group and 49% by the Italian group, covering activities ranging from design to production and training in the United Arab Emirates.
The project also focuses on the granting of intellectual property licences and on developing a skilled local workforce. The agreement confirms the competitiveness of this model in the global defence market and reinforces the Italian group’s presence in the Persian Gulf.