Italy prepares aid package for Ukraine: it may include interceptor missiles for SAMP/T systems, Reuters reports
Italy is finalizing a new military aid package for Ukraine, its first this year. It may include Aster interceptor missiles for the SAMP/T air defense system.
Reuters reports this, citing sources, according to Censor.NET.
What is known
According to the sources, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto will present it to lawmakers next week.
The package, Italy's 13th tranche of military aid since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, is expected to be approved after Crosetto presents it to the Parliamentary Committee for Intelligence and Security (COPASIR) on November 10.
Package contents
Although the package's contents remain classified, the sources said it could include Aster interceptor missiles for the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system.
Kyiv has reportedly made repeated requests for stronger air defense capabilities to counter Russian missile and drone attacks on cities and critical infrastructure.
The move comes almost a year after Italy approved its previous military aid package for Ukraine.
The government is authorized to deliver the package under a decree approved late last year that permits arms supplies to Ukraine until December 31.
