Italy may boost Ukraine's air defense with advanced SAMP/T system
Ukraine faces significant medium-range air defense and missile defense challenges. Following Germany's recent transfer of a third Patriot battery, Italy may send a second SAMP/T battery system, showcasing the capabilities of this modern alternative to the Patriot.
4:43 PM EDT, May 3, 2024
According to La Repubblica, citing sources within the Italian government, Italy is considering dispatching another SAMP/T anti-aircraft and missile defence system battery to Ukraine. This announcement is expected on June 12. The contribution would be one out of four batteries from the SAMP/T system, developed in collaboration between Italy and France, with the second battery coming from the Italian armed forces' inventory.
SAMP/T - Ukraine's advanced air and ballistic missile defense system
The SAMP/T system, short for Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain, represents a significant achievement by the EUROSAM consortium, involving French and Italian companies. Introduced in 2011, this system is among the world's leading air defense solutions.
When compared to the Patriot system, the SAMP/T boasts greater mobility and ease of operation. Its components are mounted on trucks, and it requires just 14 soldiers for operation, unlike the Patriot's 90.
Equipped with a radar capable of 360-degree target detection, the SAMP/T system offers a significant advantage over the Patriot, whose radar coverage—apart from the modern LTAMDS—extends only to 120 degrees. The system's "Arabel" radar, utilizing PESA technology, initially seems less impressive, with a detection range of just over 62 miles. However, newer radars like the Kronos Grand Mobile High Power or Ground Fire 300, built with AESA technology, significantly extend the detection range to over 186 miles, although it's unclear which version is or will be available to Ukraine.
The SAMP/T's firepower consists of launchers, each holding eight Aster 30 missiles capable of engaging ballistic targets up to 18 miles away or aircraft up to about 75 miles. These missiles, traveling at speeds of Mach 4.5 (3422 mph), employ a 33 pound blast-fragmentation warhead, further enhanced with "PIF" maneuvering engines for precise targeting during the final interception phase.
