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

Italy's Council of State has ordered Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) to replace an Israeli consortium, including Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, with Italian company ELT for the counter-drone system at Rome Fiumicino Airport. This decision overturns a May 2024 ruling by the Regional Administrative Court of Lazio. The court cited the radar's classification as military equipment, requiring specific import and operational authorizations that were not in place. ADR, which maintains the radar is dual-use and used elsewhere, has 60 days to contract with ELT and will comply while ensuring security. The case file has also been sent to the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office to evaluate potential criminal investigations into the procurement process.