Critical news for Ukraine: Italy runs out of missile reserves

Italy has run out of Aster missiles intended for the SAMP/T air defence systems it had planned to transfer to Ukraine.

TodayPress TV reports that the information was published by “Il Sole 24 Ore”.

According to the report, Rome is preparing a new aid package for Ukraine. The package will include electric generators and equipment for restoring energy infrastructure. The delivery of spare parts for SAMP/T systems is also being considered.

However, Italy will be unable to provide additional missiles. This is due to the country’s decision to preserve its own stockpiles and the impossibility of producing new missiles in the short term.

It should be noted that SAMP/T is a European air defence system considered an alternative to the US-made “Patriot” system. It uses Aster 30 missiles to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles and certain ballistic missiles.

These missiles can reach speeds of up to Mach 4.5, while their range against aerial targets is approximately 100–120 kilometres.

Nevertheless, the Patriot system’s PAC-3 MSE missiles are considered more effective at intercepting complex ballistic targets. SAMP/T, meanwhile, stands out for its versatile air defence capabilities. New versions of Aster missiles are expected to expand the system’s missile defence capabilities.

Kubra Musayeva