Italy will hand Ukraine Skyguard Aspide air defence systems

Yesterday, 21 February, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced during her visit to Ukraine the sixth military aid package for the Ukrainian armed forces.

Here's What We Know

Meloni confirmed that Italy together with France will transfer SAMP/T air defence systems to Ukraine. Ukraine will also receive from Italy the Skyguard Aspide surface-to-air missile system. Unfortunately, for security reasons, the number of SAMs and the delivery deadline were not disclosed.

Flashback

Skyguard Aspide (aka Spada Aspide) is an anti-aircraft missile system that was jointly developed by Italy and Switzerland. It uses medium-range guided missiles to engage air targets. The missiles are manufactured by Selenia. 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, Ukraine already has one Skyguard Aspide battery in service. It was handed over by Spain in November 2022.