Italy will deploy SAMP/T air defense systems in Lithuania on a rotational basis.

This was reported by the Lithuanian Defense Ministry.

It is reported that NATO’s February exercises in Šiauliai were aimed at testing SAMP/T compatibility with Italian and French fighters participating in the Baltic Air Policing mission.

In addition, NATO’s air defense command and control system was integrated with Lithuanian NASAMS systems.

“Europe’s security depends on the defense of its northeastern flank, and we are grateful to Italy for its significant contribution to the security of our region. Italy is contributing to NATO’s rotational air defense model by deploying SAMP/T long-range surface-to-air missile systems to the upcoming exercise in Lithuania. This decision makes a significant contribution to strengthening deterrence and defense,” said Minister Dovilė Šakalienė.

Back in October, it became known 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.

However, it can be assumed that the states participating in the Šiauliai exercise, including the Netherlands and Sweden, will deploy their systems.

As a reminder, in 2023 it was announced that Italian SAMP/T would be deployed in Slovakia.

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 at an altitude of up to 25 km. The system is also capable of engaging ballistic missiles at a distance of up to 25 km and at a similar altitude.

The SAM is based on the French Aster-30 solid-fuel anti-aircraft missile. The missile speed is 4.5M (1400 m/s).

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

In February, it became known that the Eurosam consortium would supply new SAMP/T NG air defense systems to France and Italy. The development of the updated SAM was jointly initiated by the army commands of these two countries in March 2021.

Two new generation radars are integrated into the system: Leonardo’s Kronos Grand Mobile High Power for Italy and Thales’ Ground Fire 300 for France.

The new radars allow tracking advanced threats, and the military will also receive a modern fire control module.