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Italy deploys the SAMP/T long-range ground-based air defence system as practical implementation of the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-02-17
International cooperation | Security and defense policy

On February 10-20 Lithuania hosts a bilateral Lithuanian and Italian Air Defence Battalions' exercise involving Italy's SAMP/T long-range ground-based air defence system deployed in Lithuania for that purpose which trains capability redeployment and integration, unified command and control, execution of air operations. The bilateral exercise puts into practice a part of the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence Model in the Baltic states.

"The Lithuanian and the Italian air defences function in a synchronized manner, exchange data, recognized air picture and execute tasks in the common NATO air defence system. This is one more step in implementing the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model. I thank representatives of the Italian Armed Forces conducting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic States and your Air Defence unit for excellent readiness and professional performance and wish you every success,' said Chief of the Defence Staff Lt Gen Remigijus Baltrėnas.

The key role of the SAMP/T long-range ground-based air defence system is to protect personnel and critical sites in the area of operations. It can act anti-aircraft and anti-missiles of different types, including cruise missiles, and neutralize tactical ballistic missiles. Its main armaments are Aster 30 missiles and the Arabel multirole radar. The SAMP/T is designed to be effective in the environment of radical interference of different types and electromagnetic jamming.

"The Rotational NATO Air Defence Model approved at the NATO Summit in Vilnius is becoming reality. As we implement it, we are strengthening air defence and deterrence of the whole Alliance. We have to retain the 360 approach to security, while Lithuania and Italy have to remain close Allies," Vice Minister of National Defence Tomas Godliauskas said.

The exercise is conducted by the Lithuanian Armed Forces Air Defence Battalion with the NASAMS mid-range air defence system, SAMP/T long-range ground-based air defence system, Italian and French Fighter aircraft conducting the ANTO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states, Lithuanian Armed Forces Air Operations Centre.

Italy is currently ensuring its seventh NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states, contributes capabilities to the NATO Multinational Battle Groups and ships patrolling in the Baltic Sea.

NATO Leaders approved the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model at the NATO Summit in Vilnius to strengthen the NATO Integrated Missile and Air Defence System and support smooth transition to air defence tasks. The Model will be operational side by side with the NATO Air Policing Mission and establish the principles for the Allies to rotate and integrate ground-based air and missiles defence systems with additional fighter jets, starting with the eastern flank of NATO. The first step towards implementation of the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model was taken at the Baltic Connection 24 readiness cycle in Lithuania which involved the Netherlands' Patriot ground-based long-range air defence system.