Ukraine may receive new SAMP/T and Patriot air defense systems before winter, sources say
France and Italy are continuing preparations for the transfer of SAMP/T air defense systems and Aster missiles to Ukraine. At the same time, countries that manufacture Patriot systems or already have these systems in service are considering several options for their rapid supply to Ukraine ahead of winter.
This is reported by Ukrinform with reference to sources in the Élysée Palace.
According to them, the issue of additional Patriots is currently under discussion. A final decision on specific deliveries has not yet been announced, but the countries that produce and own American systems are considering several possible options.
In Paris, they noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy particularly insists on strengthening Ukraine's air defense due to changes in Russian military tactics and the weapons Russia uses to strike Ukraine.
At the same time, the Patriot is considered only one of the components of strengthening Ukraine's air defense. France, in coordination with Italy, is working on the transfer of SAMP/T systems and Aster missiles for these systems to Ukraine.
When asked about possible delivery dates, the Élysée Palace did not name a specific date, saying that work on the transfer is ongoing.
Air defense to be strengthened before a difficult winter
France expects the coming winter to be difficult for Ukraine due to continued Russian strikes on cities and civilian infrastructure. That is why Paris considers strengthening air defense one of the key areas of further military support.
Élysée Palace sources also stressed that allies need to simultaneously continue military and financial assistance to Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.
On the eve of the meeting, Ukraine convened an extraordinary session of the Ukraine-NATO Council and handed over to allies a list of the most urgent needs for air and missile defense systems. Kyiv called on partners to accelerate deliveries, emphasizing that in current conditions, the timeliness of weapon arrivals is critically important.
