Italy and France are finalizing preparations for delivering the SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine, UNIAN reported on Sunday, citing Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani’s interview with Corriere della Sera.
“In cooperation with France, we are in the process of finalizing the delivery of Samp/T,” Tajani said.
According to the minister, SAMP/T will be part of Italy’s sixth package of military aid to Ukraine, which will also include “other measures” he declined to elaborate on.
“[Ukraine’s Foreign] Minister Kuleba thanked for the support provided, I reiterated that it will continue,” Tajani said.
He emphasized that Italy endeavors to achieve a just peace in Ukraine, and the first five packages of aid it has already provided to Ukraine are worth about €1 billion.
“It is quite clear to Ukraine’s allies that we must do our best to help this nation in its struggle for independence,” he said.
France and Italy jointly developed Samp/T in the early 2000s based on Aster 30 antiballistic missiles and an Arabel 3D radar.