NewsItaly boosts Ukraine's defence with cutting-edge missile system

Italy boosts Ukraine's defence with cutting-edge missile system

Polygonal shooting with the SAMP/T anti-aircraft and anti-missile system.

Images source: © Youtube | Eurosam

3 May 2024 21:02

Ukraine faces significant challenges with its medium-range air defence and missile defence capabilities. Following Germany's recent donation of a third Patriot battery, Italy might soon contribute a second SAMP/T battery system. This piece delves into the capabilities of the Patriot's contemporary rival.

As disclosed by La Repubblica, citing Italian government insiders, Italy is poised to send a second SAMP/T anti-aircraft and missile defence system battery to Ukraine. The announcement, expected on June 12, will reportedly include one of the four available SAMP/T system batteries. It's noteworthy that the first SAMP/T system deployed in Ukraine was a collaborative effort between Italy and France, while the impending battery will be sourced directly from the Italian military's stockpile.

SAMP/T - Ukraine's premier air and ballistic missile defence system

Developed by the EUROSAM consortium, which encompasses French and Italian companies, the SAMP/T air defence system, or Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain, represents a significant advancement in defence technology since its unveiling in 2011.

Boasting greater mobility and simplicity in operation compared to the well-established Patriot system, the European model is entirely truck-mounted and requires a mere 14 personnel for its operation, in stark contrast to the 90 needed for the Patriot.

Exceptionally, the system includes a radar capable of 360-degree target detection, a significant improvement over the Patriot's original radar capabilities, which are confined to a 120-degree field, excluding its modern LTAMDS. The basic Arabel radar, employing PESA (Passive electronically scanned array) technology, offers a respectable detection range of over 100 kilometres. However, more recent iterations, such as the AESA (Active electronically scanned array) equipped Kronos Grand Mobile High Power or Ground Fire 300 radars, boast an enhanced detection reach exceeding 300 kilometres, though the specific version supplied to Ukraine remains unclear.

The operational core of the system, its fire unit, comprises launchers loaded with eight Aster 30 missiles. These missiles are capable of intercepting ballistic targets up to 29 kilometres away or aircraft at distances approaching 121 kilometres. Travelling at Mach 4.5 (5,512 km/h), the Aster 30 missiles deliver destruction with a 15-kilogram blast-fragmentation warhead. They are further fitted with "PIF" manoeuvring engines, refining accuracy during the terminal interception stage.