Italy will deploy SAMP/T long-range air defense systems in Lithuania to participate in future exercises.
This was stated by the Minister of National Defense of Lithuania Dovile Šakaliene, quoted by LRT, writes “European Truth”.
According to the Lithuanian broadcaster, Šakaliene made this statement after a meeting with Isabella Rauti, State Secretary of the Italian Ministry of Defense, on Thursday, 6 February.
The Lithuanian minister said that Italy is contributing to NATO's rotational air defense model by “deploying the SAMP/T long-range ground-based air defense system in upcoming exercises in Lithuania.”
“This decision makes a significant contribution to strengthening deterrence and defense. The security of Europe directly depends on the defense of the northeastern flank, and we are grateful to Italy for its significant contribution to the security of our region,” she added.
It should be noted that SAMP/T is an anti-missile system designed to protect the battlefield and important facilities, such as airports and seaports, from cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as tactical ballistic missiles.
Since December, Norwegian NASAMS have been deployed to cover the airport in Rzeszow, Poland.
And on January 23, German Patriot air defense batteries began to protect the sky over the airport in Rzeszow, Poland, which is important for Ukrainian logistics in the conditions of wars.