The Italian Army SAMP/T surface-based air defence system deployed to Slovakia has been declared fully operational by Allied Air Command, further enhancing Alliance interoperability and collective defence.
Italy deployed its SAMP/T to Slovakia in March, and the system is now tied into the NATO defensive architecture, shielding the eastern flank and enhancing Alliance interoperability and collective defence.
The SAMP/T is a theatre anti-missile system designed to protect the battlefield and sensitive sites, such as airports and seaports, against cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft, and tactical ballistic missiles.
NATO shares the responsibility with member nations to provide an integrated air and missile defence, and the SBAMD deployments are agreed upon with host nations and positioned to maximize the effectiveness of the systems.
“The Italian SAMP/T deployment in Slovakia bolsters NATO’s deterrence and defence posture on the eastern flank. Having achieved positive results in the Readiness Verification, our system is now providing its contribution to the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence. This operational effort offers a great opportunity to increase Joint integration and interoperability, sharing experiences and working together as a great team with Slovakia and the Alliance,” said Lt. Col. Michele Vellucci, Task Group SAMP/T Commander.
The SAMP/T is deployed in a purely defensive role to defend allied populations, forces, and territory.
Now we have filled most capability gaps after SDSR 2010, a land based area air defence system like SAMP/T with a BMD capability must be the major capability the UK is lacking.
Given the importance of ballistic missiles on the battlefield today, it’s one that we should close ASAP.
I sort of agree. The thing is that there is little point in having a system that is a fig leaf. ATM I think we would spend a fortune on a partially robust system. ATM the warning and tracking part should be the priority. And I *suspect* that we are pretty much ready on that front. Then I do think we need a CEPTOR-ER solution for our critical bases which can be tied into the main architecture of the system. Reason for that is that it has a decent range and can take out cruise missiles as well as fighters… Read more »
Yes I agree, we could develop a new radar as part of what ever comes along with to replace SAMPSON for type 83. Aster 30 NT block II could be our high end ABM solution with a further extended CAMM ER developed in conjunction with Poland being the mid tier anti aircraft solution. The US is now deploying satellite constellations for just $15 million a go with IR sensors for tracking of missile and hypersonic threats and the UK is a world leader in satellite constellations and cube sats. Given the propensity of third world dictators like Putin to make… Read more »
SAMP/T uses Aster missiles.
It appears the US will postpone its Hypersonic Rapid Response Weapon for the time being giving China a lead in the race at a time when tensions are very high between the two countries. I’ve been saying for many years that we need better land-based systems to deal with such threats from the air and sea. And as you quite rightly point out, a gap that needs some attention ASAP. “The US Air Force (USAF) will likely end its efforts to operationalise the Lockheed Martin AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) following a 13 March test failure. Although the test… Read more »
Filled most capability gaps? There’s still more been cut out all the time.
If the U.K. was to put a few billion in air defence every year what would be cut to pay for it?
Not saying a missile based defence systems aren’t good just expensive and quite a lot of people seem to assume it acts as shield that nothing can get through.
Slovenia in the title, Slovakia in the text!
Just don’t say that to the wrong person!
Like a Seagal movie “somewhere in Eastern Europe”. Close enough 🤦🏻♂️
Except Slovenia is central Europe
Hence “Seagal” reference…. Was a joke.
Hi, people make mistakes. This mistake has been resolved.
Fun to point them out though. Lots of serious issues discussed on here so a bit of light hearted ribbing lightens the mood. 😊
The title says Slovenia, but the article is talking about Slovakia. Which one is it? This are two countries 500 miles apart.
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Finland just bought the Israeli David Sling a 250km range SAM
Hi Alex, it’s funny how Finland bordering Russia goes for something long range and the UK, nothing or only short range stuff! And I think all the UKs SkySabre (1-2 units?) are (all) in Poland! Don’t know if I’m missing something here but seriously, no medium to long range GBAD in the UK, even interchangeable inventory with the Navy. Bit of a no-brainer isn’t it?! Hope the designers putting in the CAMM 6 silos are leaving room for a latter CAMM-ER/X or at least make it MK41 compatible. Extra air cover for the Navy wouldn’t go amiss.
I’m pretty sure there’s a Sky sabre system at Mt Pleasant.
Pardon the sarcasm…but that now makes it at least two units…😏
😱
Precisely, but for UK it will have to be something in Arrow 3 size since ballistic missiles that will hit UK will be necessarily large due to range.
I think the only reason to short range SAM in UK is for expeditionary reasons and to protect air bases and naval bases from submarine launched cruise missiles
Hi Alex, I believe Germany has recently ordered the Arrow 3 too.
The UK needs to think bigger range! There’s absolutely no ground based air defences that I’m aware of for any UK bases, ports, key infrastructure, radar sights. Pretty appalling short-sightedness really.
The Arrow 3 German order have not been made yet.
Yes most NATO went full aircraft for air defence forgetting that missiles have increasing range and precision.
This leads me to think is a commercial class jet could have dozens of AAM’s to the sole propose of intercepting enemy missiles over own country. Or large drones.
Hmmm, you’d need several on station 24/7. Commercial jet couldn’t ‘scramble’ for an intercept. That’s the advantage of SAMs, much cheaper to ensure they’re always there, alway ready to go at a moments notice. Can’t cover as broad an area due to immobility but several static systems can be in place around the UK for the price of keeping one jet airborne 24/7.
That’s the way we should go and try to participate in the development of these edge-cutting air defence concepts. These technologies are absolutely crucial nowadays. We have been neglecting these areas for decades, always making up some ‘valid’ excuses. The same applies to hypersonic vehicles. We cover up our unsuccessful attempts to make any kind of progress with stories that are playing down their importance.
cutting edge ..
Italian air defence system online in Slovenia
By Lisa West – April 11, 2023
Hi Lisa. Slovakia is not Slovenia but Slovenia is…
Hi, people make mistakes. This mistake has been resolved.