Italy secretly agreed to provide Ukraine with anti-ballistic missiles, media reports
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (Getty Images)
Italy’s government has secretly approved a new military aid package for Ukraine that includes Aster 30 missiles, SAMP/T NG systems and radars, La Repubblica reports.
According to the outlet, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has already approved the relevant decisions, which are expected to be formally included in the 13th Aid Decree.
The new package will focus on air and missile defense. It will include four SAMP/T NG batteries capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, as well as Aster 30 interceptor missiles.
The package is also expected to include seven long-range radars: six made by France’s Thales and one by Italy’s Leonardo.
According to the outlet, the agreements are the result of a deal between Italy and France reached in July. The two countries jointly produce SAMP/T systems and Aster 30 missiles, which are used to defend against air and missile attacks.
Aster 30 missiles could be produced in Ukraine
Separately, Paris and Rome may authorize Ukraine to produce Aster 30 N1BT interceptors directly on Ukrainian territory. This would reduce Kyiv’s dependence on supplies of ready-made missiles from Europe.
Ukraine already has two SAMP/T batteries provided by Italy and France. According to La Repubblica, they have proven effective in combat. However, a shortage of ammunition has been an issue since summer 2025, as missile stocks of Aster 30 interceptors in France and Italy have fallen to critically low levels.
Production of the interceptors is now expected to increase. Italy plans to deliver some of the missiles to Ukraine by October to replenish ammunition for existing systems and the new systems that are planned to be deployed.
The total value of the aid is estimated at around 3 billion euros. The funding is expected to come from the European Union through the Ukraine Support Loan program.
Italy has previously expressed its readiness to strengthen its support for Ukraine in the security and defense sectors.
On August 24, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced preparations for a new aid package following talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
