The SAMP/T air defense system of the Italian armed forces has been deployed in Slovakia.

The event took place within the framework of strengthening NATO’s eastern flank, the Allied Air Command reports.

“Italy deployed its SAMP/T to Slovakia in March and the system is now tied into the NATO defensive architecture shielding the eastern flank further enhancing Alliance interoperability and collective defence,” the statement says.

According to Lt. Col. Michele Vellucci, Task Group SAMP/T Commander, this operational effort offers a great opportunity to increase Joint integration and interoperability, sharing experiences and working together as a great team with Slovakia and the Alliance.

It is noted that SAMP/T is an anti-missile system designed to protect the battlefield and important facilities, such as airports and seaports, against cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as tactical ballistic missiles.

This air defense system performs a purely defensive function to protect the population, forces and territory of the Alliance. As previously reported, last year Slovakia transferred its S-300 air defense systems to Ukraine.

The statement emphasizes that the deployment of SAMP/T in Slovakia is a prudent measure that underpins NATO’s collective defense.

SAMP/T air defense system

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

Ukrainian military complete training on SAMP/T SAMs in Italy

The anti-aircraft missile system is built on the basis of the French Aster-30 solid-fuel anti-aircraft missile. The missile’s speed is 4,5М (1,400 m\s). The weight of the warhead is 20 kg, while the starting weight is 450 kg. The SAMP/T is in service with the armies of Italy, France, and Singapore.

In February, it became known that the Eurosam consortium would deliver new SAMP/T NG air defense systems to France and Italy. The development of the updated air defense system was jointly initiated by the command of the armies of these two countries in March 2021. Two radar stations of the new generation are integrated into the system: Kronos Grand Mobile High Power by Leonardo for Italy and Ground Fire 300 by Thales for France.

New radars enable tracking prospective threats, and the military also receives a modern fire control module.