Home  /  Newsroom  /  2023  /  Italian surface-based air defence system fully operational in Slovakia

RAMSTEIN, Germany – The Italian Army SAMP/T surface-based air defence system deployed to Slovakia has officially 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 further enhancing Alliance interoperability and collective defence.

Having achieved positive results in the Readiness Verification, our system is now providing its contribution to the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence.

“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 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. Thus, the SBAMD deployments are agreed upon with host nations and are positioned to maximise the effectiveness of the systems.

The SAMP/T is deployed in a purely defensive role to defend Allied populations, forces, and territory. This deployment is a prudent measure that underpins our collective defence.