Italian fighter jet damaged in Saudi Arabia attack

The Italian fighter Eurofighter F-2000 was damaged during an attack on the Taif air base in Saudi Arabia, where Italian soldiers are stationed. The plane was in a remote sector of the base. This was announced by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.

According to the minister, Italian soldiers were not injured in the attack. Other damage to equipment or infrastructure used by the Italian contingent was not recorded. Crosetto noted that security measures to protect the military were introduced in advance.

Taif Air Base, also known as King Fahd Air Base, has been hit by several attacks. The Italian military is there as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. The Italian group uses F-2000 fighters, E-550A long-range radar detection and control aircraft, as well as transport aircraft.

According to Italian and international media, the attacks are linked to the Houthis, but Crosetto did not directly name the organizers of the strike. It was reported that in recent days, facilities in Saudi Arabia have been attacked with the use of drones and missiles.

The incident was not the first case of damage to Italian military equipment in the Middle East in 2026. In March, an attack on the Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait destroyed an Italian MQ-9A Reaper drone and damaged a Eurofighter fighter.

After the incident, Crosetto instructed the leadership of the Italian armed forces to conduct an additional assessment of the situation, the condition of the servicemen and possible further actions. The exact extent of damage to the F-2000 and its further suitability for use have not been officially disclosed.