Italy Delivers Second SAMP/T Air Defence System to Ukraine Under German-Led Initiative.

Germany's Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, announced on July 9, 2024, at the NATO anniversary summit in Washington that Italy has supplied a SAMP/T air defence system to Ukraine. This delivery is part of the German-led Immediate Action on Air Defence (IAAD) initiative.
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The SAMP/T is an air defense missile system in service with the Italian armed forces. (Picture source: Ifattoquotidiano.)

The IAAD initiative, spearheaded by the German Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Federal Foreign Office, aims to rapidly enhance air defense measures. As a first step, the initiative seeks to source air defense systems and ammunition from industrial stocks or inventories within the EU, NATO, and third countries.

Several nations have joined this concerted effort, including Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Romania, Spain, and the United States. This collective contribution underscores a united front in support of Ukraine amid ongoing threats from Russian missile attacks.

Italy's commitment to Ukraine's defense is evident in its delivery of two SAMP/T air defense systems. The first system was dispatched in 2023, with the second arriving as part of a military aid package confirmed in mid-2024. These systems are critical in enhancing Ukraine's ability to protect key installations and civilian lives from missile threats.

France also played a pivotal role by delivering the first SAMP/T system to Ukraine in 2023. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the system was deployed and operational, significantly contributing to Ukraine's defense infrastructure.

The IAAD initiative represents a proactive and immediate response to Ukraine's urgent defense needs. By pooling resources and expertise from multiple nations, the initiative aims to provide a robust and effective shield against aerial threats, reflecting the solidarity and commitment of the international community to Ukraine's sovereignty and security.

The SAMP/T (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée/Terre), also known as MAMBA, is a sophisticated ground-based medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed by France and Italy. This system is designed to intercept a wide array of aerial threats, making it a critical component in modern air defense.

A typical SAMP/T battery includes several critical components. The primary interceptors are Aster missiles, specifically the Aster 30 Block 1 missiles. These are mounted on truck-based launcher vehicles, each capable of carrying up to eight missiles. The system also features a self-propelled radar unit for detection and tracking, and a command post that coordinates the battery's operations.

The Aster 30 Block 1 missile is equipped with a modified seeker, fuse, signal processing, and a directional blast warhead, which directs larger fragments towards the target. It has a tandem first-stage solid propellant booster motor, which is jettisoned after launch and turn-over before the mid-course phase. The missile uses inertial mid-course guidance, with guidance correction update data being transmitted from the ground-based fire control center via the Arabel multifunction radar's uplink data channel. The maximum speed of Aster 30 missiles is 1.4 km/sec.

In terms of combat capabilities, the SAMP/T system is highly versatile and effective. It is designed to counter a variety of aerial targets, including cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and both manned and unmanned aircraft. The system's radar can detect targets at high altitudes and over long distances, ensuring early warning and effective interception.

The SAMP/T system's engagement range is up to 100 kilometers for aircraft flying above 3 kilometers in altitude and 50 kilometers for aircraft flying below 3 kilometers. The engagement altitude ranges from as low as 50 meters up to 20 kilometers, providing comprehensive air defense coverage.

In summary, the SAMP/T system is a vital asset for modern air defense, offering robust protection against a wide array of airborne threats through its advanced missile technology and integrated detection and command systems. Its deployment in Ukraine underscores its strategic importance and effectiveness in safeguarding critical installations and areas under threat from aerial attacks.