Italy boosts Ukraine's defence with cutting-edge missile system
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.
3 May 2024 21:02
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.
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.