France and Italy deliver SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the SAMP/T anti-missile defense system that France equipped with Italy is deployed in Ukraine.
Rai News reports, citing Macron's statement at the Paris Air Show.
Macron first announced the deployment of the SAMP/T air defense system in Ukraine. The French leader stressed that the air defense system is already working and protecting the Ukrainian people and key objects.
"I'm glad that I can announce with my Italian colleague Giorgia Meloni that the Franco-Italian air defense system SAMP/T is now deployed and working in Ukraine, where it protects critical facilities and people's lives," the French leader stressed.
At the beginning of February, the commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, said that he had sent the required number of units of anti-aircraft missile forces for training. He also thanked France and Italy for strengthening Ukraine's air defense.
It was reported that the Ukrainian soldiers should finish the training in the spring. Fighters, together with SAMP-T systems, will return to Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed the provision of modern SAMP/T (MAMBA) anti-missile systems to Ukraine together with France. After that, the Ministry of Defense of Italy also confirmed the presence of 20 Ukrainian troops at the Sabaudia military base in Lazio.
Background
The SAMP/T missile defense system is a digital anti-aircraft missile system that requires only 14 people per air defense system with four launch points. It is also the only European defense system with anti-ballistic capability.
Compared with the American Patriot system, the number of personnel used is 90 people. The range of aircraft damage is 100+ km, and ballistic missiles – up to 30-35 km. The height of hitting targets is up to 20 km. The warhead's weight of an anti-aircraft rocket is 15-20 kg.
It was developed by the European consortium Eurosam (MBDA Italy, MBDA France, Thales). SAMP/T is in service in Italy, France, and Singapore.
According to experts, such systems on the battlefield will be a great advantage for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The design transferred to Ukraine is considered flexible and effective for protection against Russian aircraft and missiles.
On the night of June 19, the Russian invaders attacked Ukraine with Kalibr cruise missiles and Shahed attack drones, but the Air Force destroyed all Russian air targets.
