Italian SAMP/T air defense system to start operating in Ukraine in 7 to 8 weeks - Italian Foreign Minister

According to Reuters, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, made the statement on a TV show. The official's words were later confirmed by his spokesman.

"I believe it will be operational within seven to eight weeks," Antonio Tajani said.

The SAMP/T system can track dozens of targets and intercept 10 at once. It is the only European-made system that can intercept ballistic missiles.

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

• Recently, France and Italy agreed to jointly order 700 Aster-30 anti-aircraft missiles for SAMP/T systems, keeping some for themselves, but supplying most to Ukraine.