Gulf States Request Italy to Provide SAMP/T Air Defense Systems to Protect Against Iranian Attacks

Gulf countries have asked Italy to transfer air defense systems, including SAMP/T, to protect them from Iranian attacks.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced this, according to Reuters.

In addition, these countries are seeking to obtain anti-drone systems as a matter of urgency.

It should be noted that SAMP/T is the only European-made system capable of shooting down ballistic missiles.

Italy has already supplied Ukraine with such systems to protect against Russian missile strikes, so transferring them to Persian Gulf countries is currently difficult due to their limited availability.

“This is a very sensitive issue, given that these capabilities are already severely strained and limited in view of European needs and the support provided to Ukraine so far,” Crozetto said.

Amid Iranian drone and missile attacks, France recently announced that it is ready to provide support to the Persian Gulf states. Such support will be provided at the request of countries, proportionally, and in accordance with the principle of collective self-defense provided for by international law.

SAMP/T air defense system

The French armed forces also have SAMP/T air defense systems at their disposal. This air defense system was developed jointly with Italy.

The system can destroy aerodynamic targets at distances up to 150 km and altitudes up to 25 km. The system can intercept ballistic missiles at a distance of up to 25 km and at similar altitudes. The air defense missile system is based on the French Aster-30 solid-fuel anti-aircraft missile. The missile’s speed is 4.5M (1400 m/s).

France recently received the first system in the new SAMP/T NG version, capable of intercepting medium-range ballistic missiles.