French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the provision of air defense systems to Ukraine during a meeting in New York on September 22. The two leaders agreed to strengthen Ukraine's capabilities ahead of the winter season. As part of this effort, France will provide Ukraine with two SAMP/T air defense systems, which were initially announced in July.
The SAMP/T systems, developed jointly by France and Italy, are designed to intercept various aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. They use Aster 30 missiles to neutralize these threats. The two systems will be temporarily provided to Ukraine while it awaits its own new-generation systems. Ukraine has ordered four SAMP/T NG systems, with deliveries expected to start in 2027.
The agreement to provide the two SAMP/T systems was made in a Franco-Ukrainian declaration published on July 14. According to the Élysée, the two systems will be returned to France once Ukraine's new-generation systems are delivered. In addition to the SAMP/T systems, France and Italy have also agreed to provide Ukraine with several radars, including a GF300 radar expected to be delivered by the end of 2026, and five GM400 radars to be delivered by the end of 2027.
These radars will enable Ukraine to detect and track aerial threats, facilitating their interception. Furthermore, France, Italy, and Ukraine have agreed to accelerate the delivery of Aster 30 missiles to Ukraine, with the goal of completing the delivery by October 2026. The three countries also plan to produce these missiles under license in Ukraine.
During their meeting, Macron and Zelensky discussed Ukraine's air defense needs, focusing on obtaining additional SAMP/T systems and the necessary missiles. They also explored the possibility of producing certain air defense equipment and munitions locally in Ukraine, with financing potentially coming from a European loan mechanism.
Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been a key target for Russian forces since the start of the war. The country's installations, including power plants, substations, and other energy facilities, have been attacked multiple times. The provision of air defense systems aims to protect these critical sites during the winter season.
The SAMP/T system is one of the European systems capable of responding to various aerial threats. Its new version can employ the Aster B1NT missile, designed to enhance interception capabilities against ballistic missiles. France had previously provided Ukraine with a first SAMP/T system in 2023, and the new systems will increase Ukraine's available capabilities.
Key points
- France will provide Ukraine with two SAMP/T air defense systems to help counter Russian attacks.
- The systems will be temporarily provided to Ukraine while it awaits its own new-generation systems.
- France, Italy, and Ukraine have agreed to produce Aster 30 missiles under license in Ukraine.
