Italy to provide Ukraine with SAMP/T air defence system
3 May 2024 14:58
Italy is planning to approve another package of military aid to Ukraine before the Group of Seven leaders’ summit in Puglia on 13 June. This was reported by the newspaper La Repubblica, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The newspaper notes that the government led by Georgia Maloney has decided to approve the ninth package of military assistance to Ukraine, including the SAMP/T air defence system.
According to the publication, this decision was made due to the deteriorating situation in eastern Ukraine and active hostilities around Chasovyi Yar in Donetsk region.
In total, Italy has five such systems, and Rome intends to transfer to Kyiv the one it lent to Slovakia. Another part of the systems will be used to protect the G7 summit venue.
The new Italian aid package will also include artillery.
According to the newspaper’s sources, Matteo Salvini’s League is opposed to the package, but it should get enough votes in parliament to be approved.
Last year, Ukraine received the first SAMP-T system from France and Italy. These systems are believed to be superior to the US Patriot in some respects.
What is known about SAMP/T
SAMP/T is a surface-to-air missile system that uses Aster family missiles.
SAMP/T is designed to provide air defence for mechanised units, as well as air cover for important fixed installations against massive attacks by a wide class of air targets, including aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles.
SAMP/T can destroy enemy aircraft at ranges from 3 km to 100 km and ballistic missiles at ranges from 3 km to 25 km, with a kill height of up to 25 km. All 8 Aster 30 missiles on a single launcher can be fired in a single salvo in 10 seconds.
