Italian government suspends purchase of Israeli underwater drones

Italy’s plans to buy an undersea drone from Israeli firm Elta Systems have been put on hold. The defense committees of the Italian parliament were evaluating a proposal to purchase three BlueWhale drones. The program was priced at €254 million, spread between 2023 and 2035. The plan was withdrawn before it could be voted on due to concerns about foreign involvement and political sensitivity of buying from Israel.
Italian industry could produce the technology without overseas firms, causing the plan to be blocked. Political sensitivity over Israel’s military operation in Gaza also played a role. Critics raised doubts about the platform’s performance, including acoustic signals, maneuverability, and cost. Italy’s right-wing government supports Israel, while opposition members have criticized the operation.