Italy has deployed the SAMP/T air defense system, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, in Lithuania on a rotational basis.

Lithuanian Ministry of Defense announced this.

To increase efficiency, the command and control system of the Italian SAMP/T armed unit will be integrated with the NATO Air Policing Mission and Lithuanian NASAMS systems during the February NATO exercises in Siauliai.

The deployment of the Italian air defense system is part of the implementation of NATO’s rotational air defense model, which was agreed upon during the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July 2023.

The rotational model involves the regular deployment of combat aircraft, ground-based air and missile defense systems, and support assets to different NATO member states.

In addition to enhancing defense, this provides significant opportunities for training and exercises. The rotational model can be applied throughout the entire area of responsibility of NATO’s European Command. However, it is currently focused on the eastern flank of the Alliance.

Back in October 2024, it was reported that at least three NATO member states would deploy their air defense systems in Lithuania on a rotational basis in 2025.

At the time, the Lithuanian government did not specify which countries had agreed to participate in the operation.

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 will be able to intercept ballistic missiles with a range of up to 1500 km.