Washington and Rome discuss transfer of SAMP-T air defense systems to Ukraine

La Repubblica reports.

Sources of the media outlet in diplomatic circles shared that Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser to the US president, discussed the issue of supplying Ukraine with a new aid package from Italy in a conversation on January 5 with diplomatic adviser of Italian prime minister, Francesco Talo. According to sources, Sullivan called on Talo to speed up transfer of air defense systems, in particular Italian-French SAMP-T anti-aircraft missile complex.

La Repubblica writes that SAMP-T is a powerful system against aircraft, drones and cruise missiles, but it has limited capabilities against ballistic missiles. Thus, SAMP-T complex is capable of protecting such a large city as Kyiv. La Repubblica notes that Italy has five working SAMP-T air defense batteries and one training battery in service. It lacks a launcher, but work on its modernization is already underway.

News outlet also emphasizes that, at the political level, Italy promised to transfer the SAMP-T air defense system to Ukraine a few weeks ago. However, the country's government has not yet approved this decision in the sixth decree on military aid to Ukraine.

• In October 2022, Zelenskyy requested SAMP-T air defense systems from Italy.

• Subsequently, the Council of Ministers, convened by Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, approved a decree that extends the deadline for supply of weapons to Ukraine through 2023. Decree was supposed to enter into force after receiving approval of the Italian parliament.

• The Italian Senate (upper house of parliament) overwhelmingly approved a resolution presented by the government on continuation of military aid to Ukraine until the end of 2023.

• As of December 14, France and Italy approved the supply of SAMP-T air defense systems requested by the President of Ukraine.

• On December 27, it became known that Italy is considering providing air defense equipment to protect the sky from Russian attacks.