France and Italy finalize details of SAMP/T delivery to Ukraine

This became known after a telephone conversation between the French Minister of the Armed Forces and the Italian Minister of Defense, BFM-TV reports.

"During this conversation, the ministers concluded technical negotiations between France and Italy on the supply of the SAMP/T-MAMBA air defense system to Ukraine in the spring of 2023," the statement said.

This is the first European long-range missile defense system developed by France and Italy. It will allow Ukraine to protect itself from attacks by drones, missiles and Russian aircraft covering a large part of Ukrainian territory.

• On January 22, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that his country, together with France, planned to transfer the SAMP/T anti-aircraft missile system to Ukraine.

• Recently, France and Italy had agreed to jointly order 700 Aster-30 anti-aircraft missiles for SAMP/T systems, some of which will remain in these countries, but most will be transferred to Ukraine.

• According to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the SAMP/T anti-aircraft missile system can be deployed in Ukraine within two months.