Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has highlighted the ongoing shortage of missiles for the SAMP T air defence systems provided by Italy and France. Speaking to journalists, he stressed that Ukraine has consistently lacked sufficient missiles for these systems and has requested licenses to produce them domestically to address the issue.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Italy and France for supplying SAMP T systems, acknowledging their effectiveness despite not being direct equivalents to the American made Patriot systems. He noted that while the systems have helped protect Ukrainian airspace, their impact is limited due to a persistent missile shortage. Without disclosing specific locations, he confirmed that the available SAMP T batteries have been deployed and continue to provide crucial air defence.
According to a recent report by the Italian publication Corriere della Sera, the two SAMP T batteries supplied to Ukraine are nearly out of missiles. The article states that Italy’s own missile reserves have dropped to concerning levels, leaving only enough to defend strategic locations within Italian territory. France, however, reportedly holds a larger stockpile.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly urged European allies to prioritise strengthening Ukrainian and European air defence capabilities. As Russian missile and drone attacks persist, Ukraine’s ability to protect its cities and infrastructure remains heavily dependent on Western support. The country has requested production licenses to manufacture missiles for SAMP T systems domestically, aiming to reduce dependence on external supplies and secure a steady flow of ammunition for its air defence forces.
| System | Country of Supply | Effectiveness | Missile Shortage |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAMP T | Italy, France | Effective but not equal to Patriot | Severe shortage reported |
