ROME — Italy is preparing its 13th military aid package for Ukraine, with a major focus on strengthening the country's air and missile defenses, according to a report published by La Repubblica on August 26.
The reported package includes four SAMP/T NG air defense systems, Aster 30 interceptor missiles and seven long-range radars. Six radars would be manufactured by France's Thales and one by Italy's Leonardo. The program is estimated to cost nearly €3 billion and would be financed through European Union loans under the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027.
The new SAMP/T NG systems and related equipment are expected to be fully delivered by 2027. Italy also plans to transfer Aster 30 missiles from its existing stocks, with some deliveries expected as early as October 2026.
A key part of the reported plan is the licensed production of Aster 30 B1NT missiles in Ukraine. France and Italy have agreed to allow Ukraine to manufacture the missiles locally, with the relevant agreements expected to be signed in September. Ukraine already has a contract for additional Aster 30 missiles. The B1NT variant has an engagement range exceeding 150 kilometers, according to the information reported.
France is separately expected to provide one SAMP/T system and additional air-defense radars to Ukraine this autumn. It remains unclear whether these deliveries are included in the reported Italian package or are additional assistance.
The plans build on a July 2026 joint declaration between France and Ukraine, under which Ukraine ordered four Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG systems. France agreed to temporarily provide two existing SAMP/T batteries until the new systems are delivered. The agreement also covered accelerated Aster 30 deliveries by October 2026 and authorization for licensed Aster 30 production in Ukraine before the end of 2026. Planned radar deliveries included Thales GM400, Ground Fire 300 and a Kronos radar.
However, Italy's reported 13th package has not yet been formally approved. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on August 26 that no Italian military aid package had been formalised during 2026 and that a reported 13th package did not exist as a formal government act at that time. He said Italian assistance is provided in response to specific Ukrainian requests.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the Defence Ministry was preparing another package that would be submitted to the parliamentary security oversight committee COPASIR before any delivery. The package is reportedly expected to be presented in September.
If formally approved, the reported package would combine new SAMP/T NG systems, Aster 30 missile transfers, radar equipment and Ukrainian licensed missile production.
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