France prepares SAMP/T air defense system for Ukraine as Patriot options are discussed
SAMP/T air defense system (photo: defense.gouv.fr)
Countries with Patriot air defense systems are considering several options to deliver them rapidly to Ukraine ahead of winter. At the same time, France, in coordination with Italy, is preparing to transfer a SAMP/T system and Aster missiles, Ukrinform reports, citing sources at the Élysée Palace.
Will there be an additional Patriot?
Paris confirmed that the issue of new Patriot deliveries to Ukraine is under active discussion, with countries that manufacture or already have these systems in service considering various transfer scenarios.
According to sources, President Zelenskyy is the most actively pushing for stronger Ukrainian air defenses, as Russia is changing its tactics and the types of weapons it uses to strike Ukraine.
However, France emphasizes that Patriot systems alone will not be enough for Kyiv and that a broader range of air defense capabilities is needed.
What exactly France is preparing
That is why Paris is working in parallel through other supply channels. Together with Italy, it is preparing to transfer SAMP/T systems and Aster missiles to Ukraine, intended to strengthen the protection of Ukrainian cities.
The French side has not yet provided exact dates, saying only that "work is ongoing."
Winter outlook
French circles acknowledge that winter will be another difficult test for Ukraine due to strikes on civilian infrastructure.
At the same time, they emphasize that despite the devastating consequences of such attacks for civilians, Russian forces have still been unable to break through the front line.
On the same day, it became known that NATO had received Ukraine's list of air and missile defense priorities. Kyiv provided its allies with an updated list of needs ahead of the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
Earlier, Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara discussed the main areas of further work with the NATO Secretary General as part of preparations for the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
