Italy prepares air defense missile supplies for Ukraine — Reuters
Photo: Italy may provide Ukraine with air defense missiles (Italian_Army wikimedia.org)
Italy will present its 13th military aid package for Ukraine to lawmakers. It may include Aster interceptor missiles, according to Reuters.
Italy prepares 13th aid package
Italy is finalizing a new package of military aid for Ukraine, the first this year. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto will present it to the parliamentary committee on intelligence and security (COPASIR) next week. Two sources familiar with the matter told the agency this on November 5.
Italy's 13th tranche of military aid since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 is expected to be approved after Crosetto presents it to lawmakers on November 10.
What's in the package
Although the contents will remain classified, the sources said the package may include Aster interceptor missiles for the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system.
Kyiv has repeatedly requested an increase in air defense capabilities to counter Russian air attacks.
This move comes nearly a year after Italy approved a previous package of military aid for Ukraine.
The government is authorized to deliver the package in accordance with a resolution approved late last year, which permits arms deliveries to Ukraine through December 31.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni supports aid to Ukraine, but her ruling coalition is becoming increasingly divided on the issue, the agency reports.
For instance, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and his party, the League, have stated that they will oppose further arms deliveries to Kyiv.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Crosetto, on the other hand, defended the military aid as part of Italy's commitments to the European Union and NATO.
Meloni will ask Parliament to approve the extension of military aid through 2027.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini promised to push for an end to aid to Ukraine, but the government did not support him. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her dissatisfaction with him.
In addition, Italy has once again delayed the shipment of the 13th package of military aid to Ukraine. It has been frozen until November 3.
A new package of military aid for Ukraine from Italy is now fully ready for shipment. This was announced by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
