Italy deploys SAMP/T air defence system in Slovakia that can shoot down ballistic missiles and aerodynamic targets up to 150km away

Slovakia receives Italian SAMP/T surface-to-air missile systems. Air defence systems are deployed to strengthen NATO's eastern flank.

Here's What We Know

The deployment of the air defence systems was announced by the North Atlantic Alliance Joint Command on 6 March 2023. Meanwhile, air defence systems were deployed on Slovak territory as early as last month.

The command recalls that SAMP/T is an anti-missile system that provides protection to important sites, including airports and seaports. It is designed to defeat cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as tactical ballistic missiles.

Air defence missile systems on Slovak territory are deployed exclusively for defensive purposes to protect the population and forces of the allies. This is a "reasonable measure" that forms the basis of the Alliance's collective defence.

The surface-to-air missile system was developed by MBDA Italy, MBDA France and Thales, which formed the Eurosam consortium. SAMP/T is capable of engaging aerial targets at altitudes up to 25 km and ranges up to 150 km, as well as ballistic missiles at 25 km in both altitude and range.

To intercept aerial threats, the SAMP/T system uses the Aster-30 missile. It has a 20 kg payload and can reach a flight speed of Mach 4.5 (5,556.6 km/h).

Source: NATO