Italy
confirmed one of its F-2000 Eurofighters was struck at King Fahd Air Base in
Taif during recent Houthi drone and missile attacks, with Defense Minister
Guido Crosetto noting no injuries or other damage occurred.
The jet is
part of Task Force Air Arabia, operating from the base since March 2026 for
regional air defense under Operation Inherent Resolve.
In response to threats in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait which handles 12 to 15 percent of global trade Italy plans to send warships immediately to protect commercial shipping, bypassing waits for EU approval to avoid economic disruptions.
