SAMP/T, Spada and Crotale in Ukraine - President Zelensky wants to discuss with Italy and France supplies of air defense systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after talks with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, held a press conference and answered several questions about Western air defense systems.

Here's What We Know

Speaking to journalists, Zelensky noted the priority of air and missile defense systems for Ukraine. Among the positive things, the president emphasized the supply of anti-aircraft missile systems NASAMS and IRIS-T.

At the same time, Zelensky wants to hold talks on obtaining air defence systems not only with Germany and the USA. The president plans to discuss the supply of armament from France, Israel and Italy. And if Tel Aviv states firmly that it will not send air defense systems to Ukraine, there is still hope for a positive result in Paris and Rome. But still not much, frankly. However, let's look at a few air defense systems that Paris and Rome have.

Spada

The Spada medium-range surface-to-air missile system is in service with the Italian Air Force. It was developed by Selenia and uses Aspide Mk. 1 surface-to-air guided missiles. Specifically, the most modernized version is called the Spada-2000, and it uses the Aspide-2000.

The SAM can detect targets at a distance of 60 km. Spada is able to eliminate air objects at a distance of 15-6000 m in altitude and 1.7-15 km in range. The average probability of intercepting an enemy missile is 80%.

SAMP/T

The French Air and Space Forces also have interesting weapons in their arsenal. For example, the SAMP/T surface-to-air missile system. This is the most advanced SAM system in the French Army. It is produced by MBDA and Thales.

SAMP/T uses the Aster 30 missile. In flight, it can reach speeds of up to 50,000 km/h. The maximum launch range is 100 km. But aircraft targets at an altitude of less than 3 km the missile can hit at a distance of up to 50 km.

Crotale

Another French anti-aircraft missile system is called the Crotale. It can operate in any weather and is available in two versions: ship-based and ground (mobile). The SAM is used to destroy air targets at medium, low and ultra-low altitudes.

The maximum firing range of the Crotale is 10 km. The altitude is up to 6 km. The launcher holds eight missiles with a warhead weighing 14 kg, which can reach a speed of 2.6 Mach (3,200 km/h). Reaction time is 5 seconds.

Images: MBDA, Aviation Week, Thales