Italy Backs Saudi Arabia's Bid to Join Eurofighter Jet Project
Italy's official endorsement of Saudi Arabia's participation in the Eurofighter jet program is poised to send ripples through the international defense market. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her full support for Saudi Arabia joining the next-generation fighter jet development project, underscoring the importance of defense industry cooperation between the two nations.
On November 9, 2025 (local time), Reuters reported that, citing Meloni's remarks, the Italian government actively supports Saudi Arabia's inclusion in the 'Eurofighter' fighter jet program. This decision by the Italian government is interpreted as an attempt to strengthen its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and enhance the competitiveness of its own defense industry. The Eurofighter, a multirole fighter jet jointly developed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, boasts excellent maneuverability and advanced technology. Saudi Arabia already operates a significant number of Eurofighter jets and is pursuing plans to modernize its air force through additional acquisitions.
Prime Minister Meloni emphasized that Saudi Arabia's participation in the Eurofighter program would contribute to deepening the strategic partnership with Italy. "Saudi Arabia's participation in the Eurofighter program will greatly contribute to further strengthening the strategic partnership between Italy and Saudi Arabia," she stated. She added, "This cooperation will also promote security cooperation between the two countries and serve as an important foundation for strengthening joint efforts for stability and peace in the Middle East region."
The Italian government's decision appears to reflect a strategic goal of strengthening the competitiveness of its defense industry and expanding its influence in the Middle East region. Saudi Arabia is bolstering its defense capabilities by introducing state-of-the-art weapons systems, backed by substantial financial resources. Italy expects to secure a stable export market and expand technological cooperation through its partnership with Saudi Arabia. The Italian government's decision is also expected to have a positive impact on the broader European defense industry. Other European countries involved in the development of the Eurofighter are also expected to explore further cooperation opportunities with Saudi Arabia and intensify efforts to expand defense exports. The Eurofighter fighter jet program is a core project of the European defense industry.
Saudi Arabia's participation is expected to enhance the program's sustainability and strengthen technological development and production capabilities. European countries are expected to focus on opening up new markets and enhancing the competitiveness of their defense industries through cooperation with Saudi Arabia. However, there are also critical perspectives on this decision due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record and involvement in the Yemen civil war. International human rights organizations are urging the Italian government to review arms deals and military cooperation with Saudi Arabia, expressing concerns about human rights violations. In response, the Italian government emphasizes that Saudi Arabia is an important partner for stability and peace in the Middle East, explaining that security cooperation can promote regional stability and jointly address terrorism and security threats. The Italian Foreign Ministry stated that "Cooperation with Saudi Arabia is essential to promote mutual interests and achieve common security goals."
Analysts suggest that the Italian government's decision could further complicate the competitive landscape of the international defense market and create a situation where the interests of various countries are sharply opposed. Major arms exporting countries such as the United States, Russia, and China are engaged in fierce competition for the Saudi Arabian market, and Italy's participation is expected to intensify this competition further. The Italian government plans to expand cooperation with Saudi Arabia in various fields such as energy, infrastructure, and culture, and further consolidate relations between the two countries. Italy and Saudi Arabia are expected to share economic benefits by expanding mutual investment and exchanges and promoting joint projects. The Italian government plans to continue to promote cooperation with Saudi Arabia and strengthen efforts for stability and peace in the Middle East region. The Italian Foreign Ministry stated, "Saudi Arabia is an important partner of Italy, and cooperation between the two countries will contribute to mutual prosperity and security."
The Italian government's decision is expected to have a significant impact not only on the international defense market but also on the security landscape of the Middle East region. Italy has made it clear that it aims to strengthen its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, enhance the competitiveness of its defense industry, and expand its influence in the Middle East region. The international community is focusing on what kind of results the cooperation between Italy and Saudi Arabia will yield in the future.
