Italy Delaying Transfer of Aster 30 Missiles to Ukraine Due to Political Disputes — Italian Media

The Italian government is postponing approval of the 13th package of military aid to Ukraine, which is to include Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles for the SAMP/T systems.

This was reported by La Repubblica, citing sources in Italian government circles.

According to the newspaper, the aid package has already been prepared, but its final approval is being delayed due to internal political disputes within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition.

La Repubblica’s sources claim that the Italian government may postpone the decision until the U.S. midterm elections, scheduled for November 3, in order to assess the Trump administration’s future policy toward Ukraine.

The document is to be signed by Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti.

According to the publication, the delay is also linked to the position of the Lega party, led by Matteo Salvini, which opposes further arms deliveries to Ukraine.

Journalists note that approval of the package had already been postponed from July to September, and later to October. At the same time, according to La Repubblica, the last delivery of Italian military aid to Ukraine took place in December 2025.

Despite the delay, on October 26, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told ANSA that the new military aid package is already ready.

“We stand with Ukraine and will continue to help it for as long as necessary. The next military aid package is already ready, and we will send it to Kyiv as soon as possible,” Tajani said.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also emphasized that Italy’s position on supporting Ukraine will not change, as Russian aggression poses a threat to the security of all of Europe.

Aster 30 missiles for Ukraine

In August, Militarnyi reported on Italy’s preparation of the 13th military aid package, which was to include Aster 30 missiles from the Italian Army’s stockpiles.

These missiles are used in the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense missile systems, which Ukraine employs to defend against Russian air attacks.

In July, France and Italy agreed to expedite the delivery to Ukraine of the previously agreed-upon number of Aster 30 missiles by October of this year.

In addition, Ukraine received licenses from France to manufacture a range of weapons, including Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and AASM Hammer air-to-ground bombs.