Italy to Transfer SAMP/T Air Defense Systems to Ukraine

Italy has announced the inclusion of an additional battery of the SAMP/T air defense system in its latest military aid package to Ukraine.

This development was reported by La Repubblica, an Italian newspaper.

The decision to include the SAMP/T battery is part of a comprehensive new military aid package that Italy has been crafting. This package is slated to be finalized in time for the upcoming G7 summit scheduled to be held in Puglia on June 13.

Among the assortment of military equipment being considered for inclusion in this aid package are 155-mm artillery pieces, alongside the notable addition of one SAMP/T battery sourced from Italy's own army.

The specific SAMP/T battery in question originates from the 4th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment of the Italian Army, which operates four such batteries. The SAMP/T system is mounted on Iveco M320 or ACTL HD8 trucks and typically consists of four self-propelled launchers, a self-propelled radar unit, and a command post.

This will mark the second SAMP/T battery Italy has committed to Ukraine, following a similar transfer in March 2023. The Italian government's continued support for Ukraine's defense is underscored by their recent order, placed in February 2024, for an additional four SAMP/T NG air defense systems. These new systems, slated for Italy's ground forces, will feature upgraded Leonardo EMPAR radars and Aster 30 Block 1 NT missiles.

Before the aid package can be implemented, it must first be approved by Italy's parliament. Once approved, the SAMP/T battery and other military equipment will be transferred to Ukraine, reinforcing both Ukraine's defenses and broader NATO security efforts.

Italy's parliament extended arms supply to Ukraine through 2024 despite domestic opposition. The Italian government has kept its arms packages secret but reportedly plans to send a range of weapons. Meanwhile, Britain confirmed the delivery of MBDA-produced Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, and France is sending its SCALP-EG missiles.