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.
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