Italy has commenced the deployment of SAMP/T ground-based long-range air defense systems in Lithuania, marking a significant contribution to NATO’s mission in the Baltic region. Lithuanian Minister of Defence, Dovilė Šakalienė, emphasized the importance of this deployment, stating that it “significantly contributes to deterrence and strengthening defense.” This move is part of a broader NATO air policing mission currently being carried out in the Baltic States, where allied nations rotate troops and equipment to bolster regional security.
Šakalienė remarked, “European security directly depends on the defense of the North-Eastern flank, therefore we are grateful to Italy for its significant contribution to the security of our region.” The presence of the SAMP/T systems is also expected to play a crucial role in an upcoming NATO exercise in Lithuania. During these drills, the SAMP/T air defense systems will work in conjunction with fighter jets from Italy and France, which are part of NATO’s Baltic air policing mission, alongside Lithuania’s NASAMS air defense systems. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance coordination in support of regional air defense operations.
The SAMP/T air defense system is engineered to protect vital military locations and battlegrounds from various aerial threats. With the capability to intercept cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft, and ballistic missiles within a range of up to 600 kilometers (approximately 372 miles), the system boasts considerable firepower. It is designed to handle multiple, coordinated, and multidirectional attacks, with the capacity to launch up to 48 missiles simultaneously. One of the system’s key advantages is its requirement for minimal personnel for both deployment and operation, allowing it to function independently or as part of a larger defense network.
In light of escalating tensions in the region, particularly due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania has taken proactive steps to bolster its national security. The country recently reconstituted its 1st Mechanized Division, which includes units for air defense, reconnaissance, and artillery, as part of an effort to enhance both national and regional security in collaboration with NATO allies. Furthermore, the Lithuanian government has announced plans to significantly increase its annual defense spending, targeting a range of five to six percent of the nation’s GDP from 2026 to 2030. This commitment reflects Lithuania’s determination to strengthen its defense capabilities amid growing geopolitical concerns.
