The deployment of SAMP/T air defense system by Italy in central Türkiye’s Konya was completed on Thursday, the Ministry of National Defense announced. The ministry said it was part of NATO’s permanent defense plan for reinforcing the alliance’s air defense.
The SAMP-T (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée/Terrestre) is a next-generation medium- and long-range air and missile defense system jointly developed by Italy and France. It is designed to counter a broad range of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and tactical ballistic missiles.
The system employs advanced Aster 15 and Aster 30 interceptor missiles and provides 360-degree air defense coverage. Considered as a cornerstone of Italy's air defense network, the SAMP-T is mounted on highly mobile wheeled platforms, allowing for rapid deployment and operational readiness.
Equipped with multifunction radar systems such as the Arabel radar or the newer Kronos radar, the system can simultaneously track and engage multiple targets. It is also designed to maintain high effectiveness in electronic warfare environments while protecting military units and critical infrastructure from air and missile threats.
NATO stepped up security on its southwestern flank in light of the U.S.-Israel-Iran war and the alliance’s defense systems intercepted several missiles during the conflict which began in February. In March, an additional Patriot missile battery was deployed in a military base in southern Türkiye’s Adana by NATO.
