Key facts
- Italy will supply Ukraine with four next-generation SAMP/T air defense batteries and Aster 30 interceptor missiles.
- The military aid package also includes seven long-range radars.
- The total value of the package is nearly 3 billion euros, funded by EU loans.
- The decision was made secretly to bypass political opposition in Italy.
- France and Italy will also allow the production of Aster 30 N1BT interceptor missile systems in Ukraine.
Ukraine is set to receive advanced SAMP/T air defense systems and Aster 30 missiles by the end of the year as part of Italy's latest military aid package, according to Italian media outlet La Repubblica. The decision was reportedly made in secret to avoid internal political conflicts regarding continued military support for Kyiv.
The package, valued at nearly 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion) and funded through European Union loans, marks Italy's 13th military assistance to Ukraine. It includes four SAMP/T NG air defense batteries, Aster 30 interceptor missiles, and seven long-range radars. The SAMP/T system, co-produced by France and Italy, is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, a critical need for Ukraine amid intensified Russian strikes.
While older SAMP/T models were previously provided, the next-generation SAMP/T NG systems feature enhanced range and radar capabilities. France and Italy have also agreed to authorize the production of French-Italian Aster 30 N1BT interceptor missile systems within Ukraine. Italy plans to transfer Aster 30 missiles directly from its own stockpiles by October to address critical shortages.
The long-range radars will be produced by French company Thales and Italy's Leonardo. This reported military aid stems from a July agreement between French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Macron had previously stated France would allow Ukraine to produce French-designed cruise missiles, glide bombs, and air defense interceptors, and transfer next-generation SAMP/T systems and radar systems.
The reported package arrives as Ukraine faces a severe shortage of air defense capabilities, with civilian casualties rising due to Russia's increasing use of ballistic missile strikes on unprotected cities.