Italy's commercial and military footprint in the Persian Gulf is expanding. Leonardo, the Italian defence and aerospace group, has signed a €320 million contract with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a subsidiary of the UAE's EDGE Group, to provide naval combat systems for a new class of patrol vessels ordered by Kuwait.
The vessels, designated FALAJ 3 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), are part of Kuwait's "Al Dorra" naval modernisation programme. Eight ships will be constructed by ADSB in the United Arab Emirates. Leonardo's supply package includes the Combat Management System (CMS), a 76 mm SUPER RAPIDO gun with STRALES guided ammunition, and the KRONOS NAVAL HP radar.
Deepening Italy–Kuwait Defence Cooperation
This naval contract builds on a broader strategic partnership between Rome and Kuwait City. Last year, the Italian Air Force and the Kuwait Air Force renewed their collaboration on Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, signing a three-year agreement covering personnel training, electronic warfare support, and joint operational management. In 2016, Kuwait ordered 28 advanced Eurofighter Typhoons built by Leonardo in Italy; most are now operational in the emirate.
Kuwait's Defence Ministry has also extended integrated logistics support and local training services, to be provided by Leonardo Aviation Services at Ali Al Salem air base until December 2029. Italy maintains a military contingent of 320 troops at the same base, alongside MQ-9A "Predator" drones from Task Group "Araba Fenice" and F-2000A "Eurofighter" jets from Task Group "Typhoon". Their mission, according to the Italian Defence Ministry, is to contribute to operations "aimed at definitively defeating Daesh".
In March 2024, an MQ-9A drone parked at Ali Al Salem was struck during an Iranian attack, two weeks after the start of the US-Israel campaign against Iran. No Italian personnel were injured, and no other assets were damaged. The Italian contingent continues surveillance, reconnaissance, and data-gathering operations to support civilian security and military personnel in Iraq, and conducts joint exercises with the Iraqi Air Force.
Leonardo and EDGE: A Growing Partnership
The Leonardo–EDGE relationship dates back two decades, during which around 30 naval units have been delivered. The latest contract accelerates plans for a joint venture announced in June, expected to become operational during 2026. The new company will be 51% owned by the Emirati group and 49% by Leonardo, covering design, production, and training in the UAE. The venture also involves licensing intellectual property and developing a skilled local workforce.
This model, Leonardo argues, confirms its competitiveness in the global defence market and reinforces its presence in the Gulf. The deal also aligns with Italy's broader push to strengthen ties with Gulf states, a strategy that has included shifting procurement towards European partners and maintaining a robust diplomatic posture in the region.
Italy's engagement in the Gulf is not without controversy. Rome has recently taken a firm stance on regional issues, including calling for EU sanctions on an Israeli minister and condemning Israel's treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees. These moves underscore Italy's balancing act between commercial interests and principled foreign policy.
The Kuwaiti patrol vessel deal is a clear signal that Italy intends to remain a key player in Gulf security, leveraging its defence industry to build long-term partnerships while maintaining a military presence that supports regional stability.
