Italy Deploys SAMP/T Air Defense Systems to Lithuania as Part of NATO’s Rotational Defense Model
Italy has deployed SAMP/T ground-based long-range air defense systems to Lithuania as part of the Rotational NATO Air Defense Model approved at the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July 2023. The SAMP/T systems will be used in a February NATO air defense exercise in Lithuania alongside Italian and French fighter jets currently part of NATO’s permanent Baltic Air Policing mission. They will also practice with Lithuania’s NASAMS air defense system.
Chief of the Defence Staff Lt Gen. Remigijus Baltrėnas said in a statement:
“The Lithuanian and the Italian air defenses function in a synchronized manner, exchange data, recognize air picture and execute tasks in the common NATO air defense system. This is one more step in implementing the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model. I thank representatives of the Italian Armed Forces conducting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic States and your Air Defence unit for excellent readiness and professional performance and wish you every success.”
SAMP/T is an air defense system designed by the European consortium Eurosam (MBDA Italy, MBDA France, Thales) to protect on the battlefield and important tactical sites such as airfields and ports from various air threats. It can be effective against different anti-aircraft and anti-missile missiles, including cruise missiles, and can neutralize tactical ballistic missiles. Its primary weapon is the Aster 30 missiles with a range of 120 km and an maximum engagement altitude of 20 km, while the 3D phased array Arabel Multifunction Radar can track 100 targets simultaneously.
“The Rotational NATO Air Defence Model approved at the NATO Summit in Vilnius is becoming reality. As we implement it, we are strengthening air defence and deterrence of the whole Alliance,” Vice Minister of National Defence Tomas Godliauskas continued, “We have to retain the 360 approach to security, while Lithuania and Italy have to remain close Allies.”
The first step towards implementing the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model was taken at Lithuania’s Baltic Connection 24 readiness cycle, which involved the Netherlands’ Patriot ground-based long-range air defense system. This is a crucial step to guarantee ongoing and efficient air defense capabilities throughout NATO’s eastern frontiers.