Key facts
- The package is Italy's 13th tranche of military assistance to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
- Two people close to the matter said the package could include Aster interceptor missiles for the SAMP/T air-defense system.
- The contents of the package will remain classified, according to Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.
- A decree approved late last year authorizes arms shipments to Ukraine until December 31; aid through 2027 needs a new decree.
- Crosetto has told lawmakers he intends to seek an extension of that authorization.
- The League party opposes further arms shipments, and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini leads the League.
Italy is finalizing a new military aid package for Ukraine, its first this year and its 13th tranche of military assistance since Russia's full-scale invasion in Ukraine in 2022, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said, according to Reuters.
The package is due to be approved by the government after Crosetto briefs the COPASIR parliamentary intelligence and security committee on November 10. Crosetto, a member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party, told the Senate: "We will honour the commitments we have made to our European allies, to NATO and to Ukraine."
While the contents will remain classified, two people close to the matter said the package, which comes almost a year after the previous one was passed, could include Aster interceptor missiles for the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air-defense system. Kyiv has repeatedly appealed for more air-defense capabilities to counter Russian missile and drone attacks on cities and critical infrastructure.
The government is authorized to deliver the package under a decree approved late last year that allows arms shipments to Ukraine until December 31. A new decree would be needed to send more aid through 2027, and Crosetto has told lawmakers he intends to seek an extension.
That could become a test for the ruling coalition if Deputy Prime Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini follows through on his opposition to any further military aid. Support for Ukraine is becoming increasingly contentious as Italy moves closer to general elections due next year, with the League party opposing further arms shipments.
While Rome has consistently provided military aid to Ukraine, its contributions have remained below those of major European allies such as Germany and Britain.