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Kuwait delays the Eurofighter deal

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A contract for 28 Eurofighter aircraft was to sign on 31st January between Italy and Kuwait. As an Italian Ministry of Defence source referred, the signature was delayed for “procedural reasons”. No leak about next meeting.

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The contract follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the Italian Minister of Defence Roberta Pinotti and the Kuwaiti colleague Khaled al-Jarrah al-Sabah in September 2015. According to the document, Kuwait has ordered 28 Eurofighter Typhoon (22 single-seat and 6 twin-seat) for a total value of 8.7 billion dollars. Announced deadline in 20 years.

The Eurofighter Consortium is driven by aerospace and defence industries of four European countries: Germany and Spain (Airbus), United Kingdom (BAE System) and Italy (Finmeccanica). But it’s the Italian company to grab the contract with Kuwait. Over 50% of the value of the deal will be earned by Finmeccanica, which will provide the design, development and production of the aircraft (Alenia Aermacchi) but also the on-board electronic systems (Selex ES).

The deal signed with Finmeccanica ends a negotiation begun in 2010, after Kuwait decision to replace the existing fleet of F-18 Hornet held by its air force. Initially, the choice fell on a new fleet of F-18 Super Hornet produced by the United States. However, repeated delays in the acquisition induced the emirate to opt for the Eurofighter programme. It is likely this choice also hides military and strategic considerations.

The F-18 is a swing-role, twin-engine and supersonic fighter, able to carry air-to-air and air-to-land weaponry. Though employed for several tasks (aerial recognition, close air support, interdiction and fighter escort), the F-18 is mainly a fighter-bomber and was introduced in Kuwaiti armed forces after the Gulf War.

Despite sharing similar features with the F-18 (both are twin-engine and multi-role aircraft), the Eurofighter Typhoon is primarily an air interdiction and air superiority fighter. Faster and more manoeuvrable, the aircraft is provided with electronically scanned array radar and advanced navigation, discovery and attack sensors. Technologically advanced munitions, mainly designed for air-to-air combat, complete the technical specifications of the aircraft, which has already shown its value in different operational theatres, such as Libya or the Baltic States.

Al-Shabab’s choice to rely on Eurofighter seems to reflect a national strategy aimed to strengthening the defensive military capabilities rather than the offensive ones. Twenty-eight air-superiority fighter jets will ensure greater safety in Kuwaiti skies, given their ability to intercept enemy aircraft or planes illegally entering Kuwait’s air space. Indeed, high speed and manoeuvrability make the Eurofighter the ideal candidate to intervene, should an imminent threat from neighbouring countries arise. Considering Kuwait geographical position and the level of insecurity that characterises the Middle East, Kuwaiti decision does not sound that inappropriate.

Kuwait’s urgency in reaching a deal first with the US, then with Italy, shows a feeling of uncertainty and the necessity to strengthen its military assets, in the view of a deterioration in the regional environment. After latest delays due to caveats about pilots’ training (Kuwait has agreed to train its pilots in Italy and not in the UK as initially requested), last obstacle is the approval from the Audit Court of Kuwait, which –apparently- didn’t have enough time to evaluate the final terms of the deal (Best and Final Offer, BAFO). As Minister Pinotti highlighted, during Wednesday meeting in Rome the Kuwaiti Minister of Defence has reiterated the willingness to sign the deal as soon as possible.

On its side, Italy has all the reasons to hold on such a commitment. First, a 20-year contract with a Middle Eastern country gives Italy the chance to reinforce its presence in a key strategic area, rich of commercial opportunities. Secondly, the contract gives Finmeccanica a significant economic momentum. As gen. Tricarico, former Chief of the Italian Air Force, states, “the contract is particularly important because it allows maintaining production lines -which would have fallen into disuse over years-, thus allowing also keeping jobs and know-how skills”. Finally, Italy’s leading role in the deal will have a two-fold benefit on our country: on one hand, it will allow Italy to gain weight within the Eurofighter consortium; on the other, a renewed confidence in its capabilities could lead Italy to rethink its position in the international affairs.

 

Paola Fratantoni

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Rouhani in Rome: Italian-Israeli relations at risk?

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The Iranian President Hassan Rouhani begins his tour in Europe from Italy. It is the first time after the lifting of the international sanctions against Iran. A sign of openness towards the West, it also shows Iran’s willingness to restore and strengthen its relationship with European countries, such as Italy.

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The Iranian leader’s trip to Italy has a triple meaning. From a political perspective, Rouhani’s visit comes at a significant moment both for Iran and for the Middle East. Indeed, the lifting of the international sanctions and the nuclear deal boost Iran relationship with the rest of the world, thus ending decades of political isolation. This gives also Teheran a chance to contribute to solving ME security problems.

Secondly, the religious dimension. The meeting between a Shiite Muslim leader and the highest representative of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is an important event in a time when the sectarian tensions and the increasing threat of Islamic terrorism make it difficult the coexistence between different faiths. In the Catholic Rome, Rouhani portraits the good side of Islam and the Vatican itself talks about “common spiritual values” and the importance of Iran for peace in the Middle East.

Final point on Rouhani’s agenda is economy. Seven institutional agreements have been signed, including an understanding between Mise and the Iranian Ministry of Industries and Mines. New business deals cover also energy and mining, constructions, shipbuilding and transport industries, reaching an amount of about 17 billion.

Despite criticism and controversies (as the one related to the covering up of naked statues in Capitoline Museum), Rouhani’s visit marks a relevant rapprochement between the Islamic Republic and Italy. An Italy that, while adhering to international sanctions, has maintained good relations with the Arab country, based -today as in the past- on mutual benefit.

Politically, strengthening ties with a European country means, for Iran, to be freed from the isolation of the past years and to project again the nation in the European and international environment. To be acknowledged a capillary role in restoring stability in the Middle East gives back legitimacy to a country that has been seen for decades as a threat to regional and global security. On the other hand, Italy acquires a vital ally in the fight against international terrorism and, by mediating the reintegration of Iran in world major fora, it can gain in terms of diplomatic influence.

Economically speaking, the lifting of the sanctions not only comes as a breath of fresh air for Iran, but it also paves the way for new investments in Italy. Iran has a young population, attracted by Western markets, especially those of luxury, car and fashion. Therefore, Iran can be an important partner to relaunch the “Made in Italy”.

However, what will be the reaction of the historic enemy of the Islamic Republic, Israel? Which repercussions could there be in the relationship between Italy and the Jewish country?

Historically, Italy has had good relations with Israel, based on cooperation in the political, economic, scientific, cultural and military areas. A promoter of the peace process in ME and of the creation of the State of Palestine, the Italian government has always worked in order to hinder the spread of anti-Semitism in the region and to facilitate the dialogue between Israel and the neighboring Arab states. The end of sanctions and the nuclear deal (with respect to which Israel has openly expressed his disagreement) have alarmed Netanyahu government about a possible resurgence of Iran. Seeing a traditionally friend state –as Italy- that strengthens its ties with the Islamic Republic, could actually create friction between Rome and Jerusalem.

The key factor in this balance may be the military element. The agreements signed between Rome and Tehran do not include the military sector, neither in terms of military capabilities nor of training. A similar low profile is presumably acceptable to Israel for a twofold reason. On the one hand, it does not affect Iranian military capacity; on the other, the actual opening to Iran is a positive sign for its allies (e.g. Russia). By contrast, a closing attitude towards Iran might stiffen the relationships between the West and Iran’s friends, thus undermining efforts to tackle other common threats, such as the Islamic State.

Hence, it is hard to believe that Italy could opt for an either-or option, which will exclude relations with one of the two countries in favor of the other. In his meeting with the Iranian president, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has pointed out the importance of relations with Israel and the right/duty of the latter to exist as a State. Considering the interests at stake and Italian political traditions, it is more likely, therefore, that the government will opt for maintaining a balanced position: a strategic choice that ensures the benefits of trade with Iran without irritating Israel.

 

Paola Fratantoni

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Libya: yes to government

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Member of Presidency Council has named new national unity government, assembled by Prime Minister Fayez al Sarraj, four vicepresidents and 19 of 32 ministers. Conversely, the lacking designation of Ministry of Defence to Khalifa Haftar has caused abstention of two Tobruk representatives. Now HoR will have to ratify new government.

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The political representatives International welcomed the news, as the UN envoy Martin Kobler: “The formation of the government of national accord is one important leap on the path to peace and stability in Libya.  But now parliament have to endorse the unity government”.

“We are facing a real opportunity to stabilise the country, which must be seized by everyone. Now it is essential for the Chamber of Representatives in Tobruk to hastily approve the list of cabinet members,” Paolo Gentiloni, Italy’s foreign minister, said,

In addition to Prime Minister Fayez al Sarraj and the four vicepresidents representing the whole Libya, here is the list of new ministers:

Marwan Ali, Foreign Affairs;
al Taher Mohamed Sarkaz, Finances;
Khalifa Rajab Abdul Sadeq, Oil;
Mohamed Faraj al Mahjoub, Internation Cooperation;
Bedad Qonso Masoud, Internal Governance;
Mohamed Soliman Bourguiba, Health;
Khair Melad Abu Baker, Education;
Mahmud Gomaa, University;
Abdul Motalib Boufarwa, Economy;
Khaled Muftah Abdul Qader, Economic Development;
Atef al Bahary, Telecommunications;
Hisham Abdullah, Transport;
Faraj al Taher Snoussi, Industry;
Osama Saad Hamad, Electricity;
Adel Mohamed Sultan, Agricolture;
Faddy Mansour al Shafey, Labor;
Mokhtar Abdullah Gouili, Vocational Training;
Ahmed Khalifa Bridan, Community Affairs;
Osama Mohammed Abdul Hady, Water Resources.
Giacomo Pratali

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Libya: waiting for UN approval

Miscellaneous di

As announced following the International Conference in Rome, the Libyan factions, all of Tripoli and Tobruk, signed deal for unitt government in Skhirat (Morocco).The Presidential Council, composed of president Sarraj Fayez, three vicepresidents on behalf of Tripolitania, Cyrenaica and Fezzan and other five representatives, have to form new government within 40 days. Moreover, the UN Security Council will vote terms of military operation in the next days, to make safe Tripoli and train local forces. This international coalition will be led by Italy, while Great Britain will send 1000 troops.

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December 17 the 90 representatives of the Assembly of Tobruk and 27 of the GNC Tripoli signed the agreement. The new Presidential Council, in addition to choose new government, will have to convince the presidents of two parliaments to accept the deal. Among the problems which should be solved, there is also the military intervention because several factions prefer the training of Libyan army, rather than a foreign operation.

The most important perspective is about the presence of a unique executive to allow, after Syria, to open another front to fight the Islamic State in Libya, where Sirte became the Caliphate stronghold.

Some US troops are already present, as reported by many international media. As well as France and Great Britain, which reached Libya through southern borders.

And Italy? As leaked out by Italian Defence, the non-intervention in Syria, the contribution to the NATO mission in Iraq (450 soldiers will defende the strategic Mosul Dam), clearly show Italian line: optimize the best efforts, humanly and logistically, to the nearest, and therefore more crucial, Libya.
Giacomo Pratali

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Libya: doubts about initial agreement

Middle East - Africa di

Almost a month after the end of Bernardino Leon’s role, GNC announced that it reached an initial agreement with Tobruk to lead a national unity government and elections. The draft, signed in Tunis on November 6, includes the creation of a committee of ten, equally shared between Tripoli and Tobruk, which will elect the new prime minister and two vice presidents.

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A deal which, although out of the UN draft of last October, was positively received by the UN envoy Martin Kobler and Italy. Indeed, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said that his country “is ready to do its part.”

Since the first international conference on Libya in Rome on December 13, Italy will try to have a leading role in this crucial context, supported by the United States, but also by Russia, which, through its Foreign Minister Lavrov, said that Moscow “is ready to help Italy in Libya.”

As in Vienna after Paris attacks and raid on Raqqa, even this summit in Rome is very important. In addition to terror threat in Europe, an Iranian news agency reported that caliph al Baghdadi moved from Turkey to Libya last October. So, after French military reaction in Syria, now Italy and EU have to define what to do in Libya. Daesh is located almost 300 kilometres from Italian coast.
Giacomo Pratali

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Alpine Taurinense redeployment in Lebanon

BreakingNews @en/Defence di

Handover for the Combat Service Support Battalion of the Joint Task Force Lebanon, in the base “Millevoi” of Shama, Headquarters of the Italian contingent.

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Logistics Regiment “Taurinense” Rivoli (To), under the command of Colonel Sergio Conte, replaced the Logistic Regiment “Friuli” Budrio (Bo), under the command of Colonel Daniele Bolzoni. The commander of Sector West of UNIFlL, who attended the ceremony, thanked the soldiers of Logistics Regiment Friuli for their work and their commitment, especially for supporting the entrance into Lebanon of the Alpine Taurinense Brigade, who is conducting the first term in the “cedars’ land. “

During the past half operating, the military Logistics Regiment Friuli ensured the logistical movements by land and sea to the staff of the Italian contingent inflowing and outflowing from Lebanon, managed supplies and ensured the efficiency of equipment and materials. The health unit, who provided assistance to the staff of the base of Shama, carried out several significant “Medical Care” interventions in favor of local population. Finally, the Commander, wished a good work to “his” Logistics Regiment, that completes the deployment of the Alpine Brigade in Lebanon.
Viviana Passalacqua

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UNIFIL Lebanon, Italy: water tank in school

BreakingNews @en/Defence di

Italian peacekeepers based on Alpina Taurinense Brigade have completed the construction of a covered cistern for collecting rainwater in the school of Ayta Ash Sha’b, in South Lebanon, attended by disabled children.

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The project, carried out by the joint task force within the civil military cooperation, pursues the objectives set by Resolution 1701 for the improvement of living conditions in Lebanese villages. It has been realized thanks to the Italian funds dedicated to the development of civil and military cooperation projects.

The work just inaugurated allows better operation and rationalization of institute water resources, devoided of water tanks, thus confirming the excellent relationships existing between local population and Italian peacekeepers.

Protagonist of the delivering, the Alpine Taurinense Brigade, maneuver unit of the Italian Army deployed in Lebanon since about a month in UNIFIL mission. For the first time, our soldiers operate in bi-national and non-permanent Italo-French conformation. The inaugural ceremony was attended by the commander of the Western Sector of UNIFIL and of Italian contingent, civil and religious authorities of the village including mayor Youssefi Srour, elders and school teachers of Ayta Ash Sha’b. All them expressed appreciation and gratitude for the work done.
Viviana Passalacqua

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Migrants: phase 2 of EUNAVFOR MED is started

Defence di

The second phase of EUNAVFOR MED, “Sofia”, started in October. It takes name from a Somali child born during a critic journey in the Mediterranean and rescued by a German ship last August.

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The project aims to stop the trafficking of human beings intercepting smugglers in the sea. The monitoring of international waters, aims to search, control and seize suspicious craft, and it is entrusted to military ships, helicopters and drones. All this, within the framework of the objectives set in July by the European Union to stem the crisis of migrants in the Mediterranean: identification, arrest and destruction of boats and means used by traffickers.

Currently, six European warships are engaged offshore Libya: an Italian one, an English one, a French one, a Spanish one and two German, but later this month three other means should be made available from England, Belgium and Slovenia. Four helicopters, many drones and 1300 military will be added to these.

According to Admiral Enrico Credendino, head of mission, “the order is enforcing law by the use of force, to dislocate traffickers’ business. While the first phase aimed to find the necessary information about transnational criminal network, the second phase provides for the boarding of vessels, their inspection, the reception of migrants, the arrest of traffickers and the destruction of their boats. All this, however, within international waters, 12 nautical miles away from the Libyan coast. We need a United Nations decision and an invitation from Libyan government to operate directly in the territorial waters. The third next phase would allow the temporary landing on the ground for the destruction of smugglers’ structures “.

This last phase, which hasn’t yet received the green light of the EU, would actually be the most effective, since it is in Libyan waters that most of the smugglers operate, but – as the Italian Foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni says – ”UN Security Council can’t authorize this intervention without the express request of Libya “.

14 European countries are participating in EUNAVFOR MED: Italy, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Slovenia, Greece, Luxembourg, Belgium, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden. The costs of military intervention – apart from an annually European contribution of 12 million Euros – are supported by the individual participating countries. Italy has contributed to the mission with a budget of 26 million euro and 1.020 soldiers.
Viviana Passalacqua

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EU, quotas and hotspots: the forced go-ahead

Europe/Policy di

Western countries vote yes to the redistribution of 120,000 refugees arrived in Italy and Greece, which will make more efficient their identification centers by November. Obstructionism from Eastern States. Yes to raid the smugglers within October, too.

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Go-ahead to the plan to share 120,000 refugees, the creation of hotspots by November, the raid against smugglers. Between 22 and 24 September, during the Eu ministers extraordinary meeting
and European Council, European Commission guidelines proposals on immigration were welcomed. As predictalbe, the deployment of Eastern Europe (“Visegrad”), consisting of Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia over Romania, voted against the allocation of refugees.

Indeed, on the distribution of 120,000 refugees arrived in Italy and Greece, it’s necessary the qualifying majority. In return, the two Mediterranean states have to reorganize identification centers, which should be ready by November, as decided by European Council.

The aim is the streamlining for those who do not hold the right of asylum and to make easier the sorting of all those who have the necessary qualifications. It’s a measure of historical value because it deletes the Eu laws of the Treaty of Dublin which allowed to refugee to be located only in the State where he has asked for asylum.

Then, the European Council has said yes to the raid against the smugglers from Libya. This naval operation, active since October 7, is included among EUNAVFOR second phase and provides the boarding, the search and the seizure of boats.

Small step forward in relations with international organizations and neighboring countries, too. The EU has prepared a rescue plan of 1 billion euro in favor of the UN agencies for refugees. While, about trust funds, Europe has asked Member States for greater effort, given that those funds for countries in crisis, as Syria and Iraq, are not enough.

These choices are positively welcomed by a part of Europe. From the Eu institutions, until Italy, France and Germany. Indeed, Chancellor Angela Merkel has talked about a “decisive step forward”.

Statements which was followed by certainly not conciliatory replication of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has shouted with “moralism imperialist”. These words highlight climate among Eastern Europe leaders. As in the case of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who, representing the Visegrad Group, has announced a lawsuit against allocation of refugees regulations.

But Hungarian behavior is even more underlining this rift between West and East. After the anti-immigration laws and the building of the wall on the border with Serbia, the government has announced its intention to raise additional barrier on the border with Croatia. News that, adding to the thousands of refugees arrived in Serbia, are bringing ancient grievances between Belgrade and Zagreb to light.

On migration policies, as already demonstrated on the economic front, Europe is traveling at double speed. In this case, the gap between West and East is rooted in the modern and contemporary European history. More than Communism, the Eastern States, as evidenced by more international sources, are opposed to foreign people because their real independence has recently been achieved and spilled blood for their homeland is still present. This gap between the two areas of the European Union underlines how a real continental unity is still far.
Giacomo Pratali

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Eu, immigration: mirage of a common plan

Europe di

After the building of the wall on the border with Serbia, the new law on illegal immigration has kicked off in Hungary. EU States have rejected Juncker’s plan on redistribution. Germany is the first European country for asylum seekers in 2015: more efficient identification centers in Italy, Greece and Hungary are necessary.

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Arrest and imprisonment up to three years for anyone who arrives in Hungary and has not application for asylum. Since midnight on 15 September 2015 the new law on illegal immigration, launched by Orban government, has entered into forced. It’s also closed the last stretch of wall bordering Serbia. Now there are only two official entrances. On Monday Hungary has observed a record number of entries: 9380 migrants, then blocked by the Hungarian police. Already arrested 16 people, Syrian and Afghan, passed after 12 a.m.

Meanwhile, in the summit in Brussels 14 September, it has been temporarily rejected the increase up to 120,000 migrants between the EU countries, which remains at 40,000. Ministers of Internal Affairs have approved the plan written in early summer, 16 thousand or 24 thousand from Italy and Greece (excluding Hungary). While there was consensus on the launch of the second phase of the mission EuNAVfor Med: European ships transiting the Mediterranean will can stop, seize and destroy boats, having as a priority the protection of human life.

Eastern Europe Countries, especially Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, have closed down the EU Commission President Juncker’s redistribution proposal. Also States, which are in favor of welcoming refugees, have chosen to increase controls on their borders like France and Germany, or Austria, which has sent army on the border with Hungary: “Temporary controls do not mean close the borders – said Chancellor Merkel -. We will continue to accept refugees in Germany, provided that there is an orderly process. ” After internal criticism as a result of 60,000 refugees arrived in Bavaria in the last days, German Prime Minister has done a half step back.

But this words are actually destined to Italy, Greece and Hungary because the systematization of the control of migrants who arrive in Europe is the real critical point. The opening to asylum seekers of the German government in early September passes by the creation of hot spots centers on European borders. The identification of those arriving is crucial. Moreover, refugees have not interest to remain in Italy, Greece and Hungary: their goal is to register directly in Germany, Sweden and Norway because, according to Dublin Regulation, an asylum seeker can stay only in the State where the request was made. But a possible exception to this agreement, as leaked by Brussels, could break through.

Numbers are clear. Arrivals recorded amounted to more than 180000 for Greece, about 170000 for Hungary and 110000 and Italy. But the ranking of total asylum applications in the Q1 of 2015 is very different: Germany, 73120; Hungary, 32810; Italy 15250; Greece (down the list) 2615. Figures about Syrians are even more in opposing trend, except for Hungary, compared to arrivals. From 1 January to 31 August 2015, Germany, 30120; Hungary; 10855; Sweden 7250; Greece (penultimate), 1275; Italy, 155.

So migratory route is clear. And it’s evident as much the anti-immigration policies of Orban government are self-destructive and are overloading the same Hungary, which is the first Eu country has reached 302 refugees per capita in 2015.

The need for identification on the sea and land borders of the European Union is essential. Germany wants to give chances to Syrians because they are graduates, professionals and skilled workers. But it’s also true that Italy and Greece have to make efficient their hot spot to share people with other member states . But despite the refugee emergency, there’s still not an Eu plan.
Giacomo Pratali

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