Finance
Italy Ready to Deploy Two Minesweepers in Hormuz Strait, Navy Chief Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 23, 2026
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Italy is prepared to deploy up to four naval vessels—including two minesweepers—to help clear mines and secure the Strait of Hormuz as part of a wider international effort safeguarding a vital energy corridor that channels about one‑fifth of global seaborne oil and LNG (approx. 20 million barrels/da
Italy Set to Send Minesweepers to Hormuz Strait for Shipping Security
Italy's Role in the International Mission to Secure the Strait of Hormuz
Deployment Plans and Naval Resources
ROME, April 23 (Reuters) - Italy is ready to deploy up to four vessels, including two minesweepers, as part of an international mission to clear the Strait of Hormuz, the navy's chief of staff said.
European Collaboration and Security Discussions
European leaders met in Paris last week to discuss a multinational effort to protect shipping through the strait, which was largely closed during the U.S.-Israel war against Iran.
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
About a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz. More than a dozen countries, including Italy, have said they would join a mission to ensure safe passage once conditions allow.
Details of the Italian Naval Contingent
Composition of the Fleet
"The contingency plan drawn up by the Chief of the Defence Staff envisages a group consisting of two minesweepers, an escort vessel and a logistics vessel," Navy Chief of Staff Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto told state broadcaster RAI late on Wednesday.
International Coalition and Participating Nations
"Obviously we are not acting alone. We are part of an international coalition, and other nations will also send minesweepers," he said, adding that Britain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands had mine-clearing capabilities.
Deployment Timeline and Current Capabilities
Berutti Bergotto said the Italian ships would sail from the northwestern port of La Spezia and would take about four weeks to reach the area. Italy currently has eight minesweepers in service.
Governmental and Parliamentary Oversight
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said last week that the government would seek parliamentary approval before authorising Italy's participation in the Hormuz mission.
(Reporting by Angelo Amante, editing by Alvise Armellini)
Key Takeaways
- •Italy plans to send two minesweepers, plus an escort and a logistics ship, to support a multinational de‑mining mission in the Strait of Hormuz (ansa.it).
- •The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint: roughly 20 million barrels per day flow through it—about one‑fifth of global seaborne oil and LNG trade (iea.org).
- •European leaders convened in Paris working toward collective European naval action to restore safe navigation in Hormuz; this underscores Europe’s strategic autonomy amid U.S.–Iran conflict dynamics (lemonde.fr).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Italy ready to deploy two minesweepers in Hormuz Strait, navy chief says
1Why is Italy deploying minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz?
Italy is joining an international mission to clear mines and ensure safe shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas transport.
2How many Italian ships are being sent to the Hormuz Strait?
Italy is preparing to deploy up to four vessels, including two minesweepers, one escort vessel, and one logistics vessel.
3Which other countries are participating in the Hormuz Strait mission?
Countries such as Britain, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, all with mine-clearing capabilities, are also joining the mission.
4How long will it take for Italian ships to reach the Strait of Hormuz?
The Italian ships will depart from La Spezia and are expected to take about four weeks to reach the area.
5Will Italy need parliamentary approval to join the Hormuz mission?
Yes, the Italian government will seek parliamentary approval before authorizing its participation in the Hormuz Strait mission.
