Italy removes Israeli companies, including Rafael, from Rome airport's counter-drone project

Italy's Council of State ordered Aeroporti di Roma to replace the Israeli consortium, including Rafael and Altintech, with Italian firm ELT for the counter-drone system at Rome Fiumicino Airport. The court classified the radar as military equipment, citing missing import authorizations. ADR has 60 days to finalize a contract with ELT, and the case was referred to the Rome prosecutor's office.

Italy's Council of State has ordered the replacement of the Israeli consortium responsible for the counter-drone protection system at Rome Fiumicino Airport with the Italian company ELT (Elettronica S.p.A.). The ruling, reported by Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, removes two Israeli defense companies—Altintech and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, manufacturer of the Iron Dome—from one of Italy's most strategically important civilian infrastructure projects. The court's decision is based on the classification of the radar as military equipment, citing its technical characteristics, its classification under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, and its registration in Italy's national registry of military equipment. The necessary authorizations for importing and operating such military material were not in place. ADR, the airport operator, has been given 60 days to finalize a contract with ELT. The court also ordered the case file to be transmitted to the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office to evaluate whether criminal investigations are warranted regarding the procurement process. ADR has stated it will fully comply with the ruling while ensuring airport security and counter-drone operations continue uninterrupted. The decision carries significant diplomatic and legal implications, affecting a high-profile Israeli defense presence in a major European airport.