Full Breakdown
Italian Eurofighter Hit in Attack on Saudi Arabia’s Ta’if Air Base
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Core Incident
On September 18, 2026, an Italian F-2000 Eurofighter was struck during a series of attacks on the Royal Saudi Air Force’s Ta’if Air Base (officially King Fahd Air Base). Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed that the aircraft was located in a remote area of the base when it was hit. No Italian military personnel were injured, and the strike caused no additional damage to vehicles or infrastructure used by Italian forces.
Background & Context
Italian forces have been operating in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain as part of Operation Inherent Resolve since the second half of March 2026. The deployment, known as the Air-Arabia Task Force, includes roughly 300 Italian Air Force personnel. Within the task force are several specialised groups:
- Argo Task Group – operates an E-550A CAEW aircraft for early-warning and aerial surveillance.
- Typhoon Task Group – fields four Eurofighter F-2000A aircraft that contribute to air-defence of the assigned airspace.
- Task Group Medal – provides C-130J/KC-130J transport capability for tactical missions and medical evacuation.
- Task Group Kuwait – offers technical support to the Kuwait Air Force.
These assets are stationed at Ta’if Air Base, which regularly hosts international contingents supporting Saudi and allied security operations.
Data & Statistics
- Aircraft hit: Italian Eurofighter F-2000 (also referred to as F-2000A).
- Personnel deployed: Approximately 300 Italian Air Force members.
- Task-force composition: One E-550A CAEW, four Eurofighter F-2000A fighters, transport C-130J/KC-130J aircraft, plus specialist technical support units.
Official Statements & Responses
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said he monitored the situation “with the utmost attention” in close contact with Chief of the Defence Staff General Luciano Portolano. He emphasized that security measures to protect Italian personnel had been in place for some time and that the Ministry would receive an immediate assessment of the incident and possible operational options. Crosetto reiterated that the priority remains the full protection of Italian forces deployed in Saudi Arabia.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Last night, I personally monitored, with the utmost attention and in close contact with the Defence Chief of Staff, General Luciano Portolano, the unfolding situation in Saudi Arabia, in particular at the Ta'if Air Base, which has been the target of several attacks and where Italian personnel are deployed as part of Operation Inherent Resolve,” — Guido Crosetto, defence minister
- “I will receive the first update during a meeting at the Ministry of Defence. The situation is being monitored very closely with the aim of ensuring the full protection of our personnel and acting with the necessary sense of responsibility.” — Defence Guido Crosetto. Meeting, at the Ministry of Defence “In a few minutes,” he
- “Last night, I personally followed the developments in Saudi Arabia with the utmost attention and in contact with the Chief of the Defense Staff, General Luciano Portolano, particularly at Ta'if Air Base, which has been the target of several attacks and where Italian personnel are deployed in Operation Inherent Resolve,” — Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, defence minister