Media: Italy is ready to transfer air defense systems SAMP/T and Aspide to Ukraine

The Italian government is preparing a new military aid package for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Here's What We Know

This was reported by Reuters news agency, citing an official of the ruling Italian party. According to him, Rome is ready to supply Ukraine with air defense systems. We are talking about the Aspide and SAMP-T air defense systems, as well as the Stinger man-portable air defense system. Unfortunately, the number of weapons and the terms of delivery are still unknown.

Flashback

The Spada Aspide (aka Skyguard Aspide) is an anti-aircraft missile system that was jointly developed by Italy and Switzerland. It uses medium-range guided missiles to defeat air targets. The missiles are manufactured by the Selenia company. It includes anti-aircraft guided missiles and air-to-air missiles. In 1988 the Aspide Mk.1 was adopted by the Italian Air Force. The design of the missile is based on the American RIM-7E Sea Sparrow. By the way, one of these days Ukraine received from Spain a battery of air defense missiles Aspide.

The SAMP-T is a surface-to-air missile system. It was developed by European consortium Eurosam (joint venture of MBDA Italy, MBDA France and Thales). The system is designed to provide air defense for mechanized units and air cover for important targets against massive attacks.

Source: Reuters