Ukraine Shoots Down Russian Fighter Jet Using Italian French SAMP/T System (Video)

The Ukrainian Air Force has successfully shot down a Russian fighter jet using the Italian French SAMP/T air defence system for the first time. Yuriy Ihnat, the head of communications for the Air Force Command, confirmed the event during a discussion at “Defence Talks: Sky Without KABs,” as reported by Suspilne.

Ukraine’s air defences have been under continuous pressure from Russian missile, drone, and guided bomb attacks since the full scale invasion began in 2022. The Kremlin has relied on long range explosive drones, precision guided KAB bombs, and cruise missiles in its assault on Ukrainian cities and military positions. To counter these threats, Ukraine has received several air defence systems from its allies, including the SAMP/T system. Until now, the Air Force had not publicly disclosed its effectiveness.

Ihnat confirmed that the SAMP/T had successfully intercepted a Russian Sukhoi fighter aircraft. However, he did not specify the exact model, location, or date of the strike. The downed aircraft is likely to be either an Su-27 or Su-35, both of which are frequently used by Russia in its air operations against Ukraine.

According to Ihnat, the Patriot missile system remains one of Ukraine’s most effective tools for targeting Russian aircraft. He recalled a notable operation in the Bryansk region, where Ukrainian forces ambushed and destroyed two Russian fighter jets and three helicopters. The helicopters were equipped with electronic warfare jamming equipment and were conducting support operations for the bombers. This operation was carried out using Patriot missiles.

Ukraine has continued to use similar tactics in other regions. Following these successful operations, Russia adjusted its strategy and began actively hunting Ukrainian air defence systems. This led to the confirmed loss of some Patriot launchers, though Ihnat stressed that Ukraine has not lost any Patriot systems entirely. The remaining units continue to operate, and in areas where the system is deployed, Russian aircraft have been forced to avoid flying for extended periods due to the risk of destruction.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly requested the SAMP/T system from France and Italy in October 2022. By early 2023, both countries confirmed their decision to provide the system, and training for Ukrainian personnel began shortly after. The first system was declared operational in Ukraine on 19 June 2023 by French President Emmanuel Macron.

The SAMP/T is a sophisticated long range air defence system developed by the EuroSAM consortium, which includes MBDA Italy, MBDA France, and Thales. It is capable of engaging aerodynamic targets at distances of up to 150 kilometres and intercepting ballistic missiles at ranges of 25 kilometres. The system relies on Aster-30 missiles, which can reach speeds of 4.5 Mach and provide a rapid response to airborne threats. Apart from Ukraine, the SAMP/T is also used by Italy, France, and Singapore.