Italy Deploys SAMP/T Air Defense System in Estonia

Italy will deploy the SAMP/T air defense system, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, on the territory of Estonia.

The Estonian Ministry of Defence reported on this.

It is noted that the system would be stationed on a rotational basis, starting from that fall.

The rotational model entails the regular deployment of combat aircraft, ground-based air and missile defense systems, and support equipment across various NATO member countries.

While this approach can be implemented throughout the entire area of responsibility of NATO’s European Command, it is currently concentrated on the Alliance’s eastern flank.

According to Hanno Pevkur, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia, similar to the Spanish NASAMS rotation, the arrival of the SAMP/T system in Estonia will provide an opportunity to practice coordination with allied air defense forces.

Additionally, it will support the preparation for operating Estonia’s own air defense systems that are being introduced into service.

In February, it became known that a system of that type had been deployed in Lithuania.

SAMP/T

SAMP/T is a long-range air defense missile system developed by the European consortium Eurosam (MBDA Italy, MBDA France, Thales).

The system can destroy aerodynamic targets at a distance of up to 150 km and an altitude of up to 25 km. It is also capable of engaging ballistic missiles at a distance of up to 25 km and at a similar altitude.

The air defense system is based on the French solid-fueled anti-aircraft missile Aster 30. The missile’s speed is 4.5M (1400 m/s).

The weight of the missile warhead is 20 kg, with a launch weight of 450 kg. SAMP/T is in service with Italy, France, Singapore and Ukraine.

In October 2024, France successfully conducted the first test firing of the new ASTER 30 B1 surface-to-air missile. The new missile is intended for SAMP/T systems and Horizon-class air defense destroyers of the Italian Navy (from 2027) and the French Navy (from 2030) after their modernization.

The modernized version of SAMP/T with new missiles is expected to be put into service with the French Armed Forces in 2026.

It is stated that MBDA’s ASTER B1 NT would be able to intercept ballistic missiles with a range of up to 1500 km.