The Italian armed forces have a battery of SAMP/T air defense missile system deployed in Kuwait in the framework of Operation Inherent Resolve, a U.S. military's operational name for the International military intervention against ISIL, including both a campaign in Iraq and a campaign in Syria, with a closely-related campaign in Libya.
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SAMP/T air defense missile system of the Italian armed forces is deployed in Kuwait. (Picture source Italian armed forces)
The deployment of the Italian SAMP/T air defense missile system is part of bilateral cooperation agreements with Kuwait, to expand the range of integrated air defense assets and capabilities deployed in the region as part of Operation "Inherent Resolve / Prima Parthica", of which the Italian National Contingent Command Air guarantees uniqueness of command and logistical support.
The SAMP/T is an air defense missile system jointly developed by the companies Eurosam, MBDA, and Thales. The SAMP/T uses the Aster surface-to-air missile which is effective against high-speed aerial threats as tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, fighter aircraft, and UAS (Unmanned Aerial System). The development of the missile started 1990 with the first serial production in 1997.
The SAMP/T air defense missile system enters into service with the Italian and the French army in July 2008. According to the military balance 2020, Italian armed forces have a total of 20 launcher units of SAMP/T. A battery of SAMP/T includes six transporter erector launcher units with eight missiles, one control and command post, one radar vehicle, one generator vehicle, one maintenance, and repair vehicle.
The maximum speed of Aster 30 missiles is 1.4km/sec. Aster 30 has the capability to intercept targets at altitudes from 50 m to 20 km. against aircraft targets flying at altitudes above 3 km, the maximum range of the Aster 30 is 100 km. At aircraft targets with altitudes below 3 km, the range of Aster 30 is 50 km.
