Italy Commits to Strengthening Ukraine's Air Defense Capabilities with SAMP/T Systems.

Italy has decided to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto appeared before the intelligence committee to discuss the new aid package for Kyiv, which includes a SAMP/T battery. Russia has once again attempted to influence Italy's decision-making process.
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The SAMP/T (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain), also known as MAMBA, is a long-range surface-to-air missile system developed by MBDA. (Image source: MBDA)

Italy has approved aid to Ukraine, with Crosetto's hearing at Copasir marking the final step before the publication of the ninth aid package in the Official Gazette, which includes military assistance to Ukraine. This package, the fourth approved by the government led by Giorgia Meloni, remains classified, similar to previous cases. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that the only known aspect of the package is the provision of a second SAMP/T air defense battery from Italy. He emphasized the importance of strengthening Kyiv's defensive capabilities by providing necessary military aid.

The SAMP/T NG ASTER (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain New Generation) is an advanced air defense system developed jointly by MBDA and Thales. It is designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles, using the improved ASTER 30 Block 1 NT missile. The system integrates cutting-edge radar and command-and-control technologies, ensuring high accuracy and rapid response in various operational scenarios.

Development of the SAMP/T NG began in the late 2010s, with initial production and acquisition phases starting in the early 2020s. The system was officially put into service around 2022, following extensive testing and validation to meet modern air defense requirements. Italy and France are among the primary operators, each deploying the system to bolster their national and allied defense postures.

Currently, Italy and France have several units of the SAMP/T NG in active service. The exact number varies, but both nations are expected to continue expanding their arsenals in response to evolving security challenges. The main capabilities of the SAMP/T NG include long-range interception, high mobility, and network-centric operation, making it a crucial asset for integrated air and missile defense systems within NATO and other allied defense frameworks.

Minister Tajani used this opportunity to avoid a question about sending long-range missiles, such as the Storm Shadow, to Ukraine. The Italian government has consistently opposed sending troops to Ukraine and using Western weapons to attack Russian territory. However, by sending the second SAMP/T battery, Italy has shown its commitment to defending Ukraine from Russia’s invasion, specifically in air defense.

Italy has promised to continue supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary, as Prime Minister Meloni declared two weeks ago at the peace summit in Switzerland. A few days earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Sky TG24 that relations with Italy have become stronger and expressed positive feelings about the G7 chaired by Italy this year. In February, the two leaders signed a ten-year security cooperation agreement between Italy and Ukraine.

The ninth Italian aid package has not been immune to attempts of Russian interference. In a recent Facebook post, the Russian embassy in Italy criticized Minister Tajani for continuing with the military aid package. They suggested that to address the current difficult situation, such as the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the focus should be on peace instead of war.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Italy has committed to providing substantial military aid to Kyiv. In 2023, Italy delivered its first SAMP/T air defense battery to Ukraine, responding to urgent appeals from Kyiv to counter Russian missile attacks. The SAMP/T system, also known as MAMBA, is designed to destroy cruise missiles, piloted aircraft, and drones. This initial delivery was followed by an announcement in 2024 confirming the dispatch of a second SAMP/T battery to further enhance Ukraine's air defense.

Italy's decisions to provide these systems have been made despite Russian interference attempts and some internal opposition. Under Prime Minister Meloni's leadership, Italy has maintained its support for Ukraine while keeping the specifics of the arms packages confidential. Foreign Minister Tajani emphasized that Italian weapons would not be used to attack Russian territory but to defend Ukraine against the Russian invasion. Additionally, Italy has collaborated with France to supply these advanced air defense systems, demonstrating its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight to defend its sovereignty and maintain regional security.