Italy approves major new military aid package for Ukraine

The Italian government has quietly approved a new package of military aid for Ukraine, which includes Aster 30 missiles, SAMP/T NG air defense systems, and radar equipment. According to media reports, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has already coordinated decisions on the new support, which will be formally adopted in the upcoming “13th Aid Decree.”

On August 24, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that a new assistance package was in preparation following talks with Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. The core of the upcoming aid will be air and missile defense systems. Specifically, the package is expected to feature four SAMP/T NG batteries, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, alongside Aster 30 interceptor missiles.

Italy also plans to equip the missiles with seven long-range radar stations: six produced by French company Thales, and one by Italian firm Leonardo. According to reports, this military package is the result of an agreement reached between Italy and France in July. The two countries jointly manufacture SAMP/T systems and Aster 30 missiles, both used for protection against aerial and missile threats.

Additionally, France and Italy are considering giving Ukraine permission to produce Aster 30 N1BT interceptor missiles inside its own territory. This measure could reduce Kyiv’s dependence on completed missile shipments from Europe. Ukraine already operates two SAMP/T batteries, supplied by Italy and France, which have proven effective in combat.

However, since the summer of 2025, Ukraine has encountered ammunition shortages for these systems, as stockpiles of Aster 30 missiles in Paris and Rome have dwindled to minimal levels. Plans are underway to ramp up production, and Italy intends to deliver some missiles to Ukraine by October to replenish current and new air defense systems targeted for deployment.

The total value of the new aid package is estimated at around 3 billion euros (about $3.5 billion). Funding for the initiative is expected to come from the European Union's Ukraine Support Loan program.

Ukraine is set to receive licenses to manufacture French SCALP cruise missiles, Aster-30 missiles for SAMP/T air defense, and AASM Hammer guided bombs. In addition, Ukraine has received AIM missiles and extra interceptors for Patriot systems, as well as confirmation that several Crotale air defense systems and corresponding ammunition will be delivered.