Italy will provide Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow missiles in the new ninth military aid package.
This was reported by Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper, citing sources familiar with the situation, Babel informs.
The Storm Shadow missiles are to be included in the ninth aid package, which Italian Defense Minister Guido Crozetto will present to parliament by the end of this month.
It will also include the previously promised second SAMP/T air defense system. The transfer was announced by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on June 11 at the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine.
The newspaper also confirms Reuters’ information that this second air defense system from Italy is currently based in Kuwait. From there it is planned to be delivered to Ukraine.
It is noted that these long-range missiles can hit targets up to 300 kilometers away, even in Russia.
As for Storm Shadow, the exact number of missiles in the future package is unknown.
The long-range air-to-ground missile Storm Shadow / SCALP EG is a joint development of France and the United Kingdom. It is designed to destroy fortified ground stationary targets. The missile can penetrate the defenses of powerful air defense systems, has a warhead of 450 kg and can fly over 560 km.
Storm Shadow / SCALP EG missiles are used by the Air Force of Ukraine. Su-24 frontline bombers have been adapted to launch them.
