The future crews of the SAMP/T air defense system of the Ukrainian Air Force are already on their way to undergo training in Europe.

The Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported this on its Facebook page.

Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Air Force, stated that he “immediately made a decision to send the necessary number of units of anti-aircraft missile forces for training” after France and Italy’s intention to transfer this air defense system was reported.

“And they are on their way!” Oleschuk stressed.

On February 3, 2023, it was reported that France and Italy have finalized the decision to send the SAMP/T anti-aircraft missile system to Ukraine. It is stated that the transfer of the air defense system will take place in the spring of 2023.

Previously, Ukraine signed an agreement with the company THALES, which is to supply two GM200 radars for SAMP/T SAMs.

France and Italy agreed on a joint order for 700 Aster-30 anti-aircraft missiles for SAMP/T SAM.

https://youtu.be/gPx0-pl8CdY

SAMP/T is a long-range anti-aircraft missile system developed by the European Eurosam consortium (MBDA Italy, MBDA France, Thales). The system can destroy aerodynamic targets at a distance of up to 150 km at an altitude of up to 25 km. The system is able to hit ballistic missiles at a distance of up to 25 km and a similar altitude.

The SAM is built on the basis of the French Aster-30 solid-fuel anti-aircraft missile. The missile’s speed is 4,5М (1400 m\s). The weight of the warhead is 20 kg, and the starting weight is 450 kg.

The SAMP/T is in service with Italy, France, and Singapore.

In October 2022, Volodymyr Zelensky publicly appealed to France and Italy to arm the Ukrainian Air Force of the Armed Forces with SAMP/T systems. In November, it was reported that these European countries started negotiations on a possible transfer of these systems to Ukraine.