Italian Foreign Minister confirms plans to transfer SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine

Photo: Antonio Tajani, head of the Italian Foreign Ministry (Getty Images)

Italy will provide Ukraine with a second SAMP/T battery capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, states the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani.

"It is known that we will send SAMP/T, which is an instrument of air defence, therefore of protection, that Ukraine itself asked us for," the minister noted.

Thus, he confirmed rumors about the transfer of the battery, which Western media outlets, citing their own sources, spread today, June 3.

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not disclose further details about the transfer of the SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine.

SAMP/T for Ukraine

It's worth noting that France and Italy transferred the first SAMP/T system to Ukraine back in 2023. This is the only European-made air defense system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

Additionally, the SAMP/T can track dozens of targets and intercept 10 missiles simultaneously.

The announcement of the delivery of SAMP/T comes against the backdrop of Ukraine's calls for the transfer of air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic targets. The need for them has become even more urgent amid ongoing attacks by Russian forces.