Italy set to send air-defence system to Ukraine says Tajani

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 30 - It is likely that Italy will shortly send a SAMP/T air-defence system to Ukraine to help Kyiv fend off the Russian invasion and combat a wave of missile attacks, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Monday, confirming earlier reports that Rome was shaping up to send the system along with France.
    "Parliament voted a few days ago on the possibility of sending new weapons to Ukraine, and it is likely that air defence systems will be sent", said Tajani in Florence on the latest and sixth shipment of aid including weapons from Italy to Ukraine.
    "Parliament will be informed by Defence Minister (Guido) Crosetto" before any shipment is made, added Tajani, who was in the Tuscan capital to receive the keys to the city.
    Also on Monday, France announced the conclusion of an agreement with Italy to manufacture a further 700 medium-range Aster anti-aircraft missiles.
    A note issued by the French Ministry of the Army stressed that Paris and Rome share a common will: that of "modernising and stabilising their land and naval anti-aircraft defence capabilities".
    It is not yet clear if Asters will be sent to Ukraine along with the SAMP/Ts, military analysts have said.
    Ukraine has been facing a daily incessant barrage of Russian missile strikes on key cities across the country. (ANSA).