Defense Minister Ignazio La Russia on Tuesday visited Italian troops deployed in Afghanistan ahead of his meeting in Kabul with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
La Russa's visit began in the western province of Herat, where Italy commands NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and deploys most of its 2,700 troops.
He then travelled south to the more turbulent province of Farah, where commanders asked for more helicopters to increase the mobility of Italian commandos operating there.
La Russa announced that an additional 500 soldiers will be sent to Farah when Italy redeploys it forces after turning over command of the Kabul region to France next month.
Italy currently has some 160 men in Farah including members of its special forces and an infantry company.
Speaking to the press after visiting the Farah base, La Russa said he was impressed by the fact that the soldiers he spoke to asked for helicopters and not for better food or more free time.
La Russa said he would ask for the helicopters when the the government meets to decide sending over Tornado fighter bombers for use in Afghansitan.
The minister's visit follows the Italian government's announced intention to modify the rules of engagement to allow the use of Italian forces to be more flexible in order to meet NATO demands.
La Russa discussed Italy's changing role in Afghanistan when he met in Rome with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop, last week.
