Italy will soon send a second SAMP-T air defense system to Ukraine to repel Russian missile attacks.
This was stated by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Suspilne reports.
We have provided Kyiv with unconditional assistance, military, civilian, financial, and now we are going to send a second SAMP T battery to protect the Ukrainian population, – he said.
Tajani noted that Ukraine has not asked for more than Italy is already providing. Moreover, the country does not have the British and American weapons that Kyiv needs.
The Italian minister also expressed hope that a “meaningful peace conference” on Ukraine could be organized by the end of the year.
In June, Reuters reported, citing a source, that Italy would send Ukraine a second SAMP-T air defense system.
It should also be noted that Rome and Paris jointly transferred the first system in 2023.
What is known about the SAMP-T air defense system
SAMP-T is a long-range air defense missile system developed by the SAMP-T consortium of Eurosam (MBDA Italy, MBDA France, Thales). The system can destroy aerodynamic targets at a distance of up to 150 km at an altitude of up to 25 km. The system is also capable of engaging ballistic missiles at a distance and altitude of up to 25 km.
The SAM is based on the French Aster-30 solid-fuel anti-aircraft missile. The missile has a speed of 4.5M (1400 m/s). The weight of the warhead is 20 kg, the launch weight is 450 kg.
SAMP-T is in service with Italy, France, and Singapore.
The SAMP/T system, also known as MAMBA, is a Franco-Italian battery that can track dozens of targets and intercept 10 simultaneously. It is the only European-made system that can intercept ballistic missiles.
