Italy Orders Removal of Rafael Drone Defense System from Rome Airport

Italy's State Council has ordered the cessation of operations of the Israeli Rafael drone defense system at Rome's Fiumicino International Airport. The contract for protecting one of Europe's key airports will be transferred to a local Italian company. This decision follows a technical assessment by Italy's Ministry of Defense, which classified the Rafael system, developed in collaboration with Altintec, as military equipment requiring specific import and operational permits that were not obtained. Consequently, the court invalidated the contract with Rafael and mandated the replacement of the Israeli system with a domestic alternative within 60 days. Additionally, the court has forwarded investigation materials to the public prosecutor in Rome to consider potential criminal inquiries into the procurement process. The operating company has stated it will continue efforts to maintain security during the transition.