Italy declares readiness to send SAMP/T air defense systems to Ukraine and announces new package

Photo: Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy (Getty Images)

Italy will provide Ukraine with two aid packages. One of them includes the supply of weapons, including the SAMP/T air defense system, stated Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin.

The Minister agreed that the primary strategy for Ukraine's recovery is the protection of infrastructure and buildings with air defense systems.

"And that's why I want to inform you that Italy is ready to send a new military package with SAMP/T for the air defense of Ukraine," Tajani emphasized.

According to the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, his country is ready to provide Ukraine with military assistance and support in other sectors.

"There is also a second piece of news. A new package of 140 million euros for measures on infrastructure, railways, healthcare, the agro-food sector, the humanitarian sector, and demining. This is a new, latest decision of the Italian government," the Minister said.

SAMP/T air defense system for Ukraine

The air defense systems like SAMP/T are among Ukraine's primary needs as they can shoot down ballistic missiles. To date, Ukrainian defenders have received only one SAMP/T battery, which was delivered by France and Italy in 2023.

On June 3, Western media, citing their sources, reported that Italy would provide Ukraine with another such air defense system. On the same day, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani confirmed these rumors.

However, the official did not disclose the timeline for when the battery might be delivered to Ukraine.