Italy Deploys SAMP/T Air Defence System in Lithuania to Strengthen NATO's Eastern Flank

Italy has deployed its advanced SAMP/T ground-based air defence system in Lithuania as part of a bilateral exercise with the Lithuanian Air Defence Battalion. This training mission, running from February 10 to 20, is a crucial step in integrating NATO’s air and missile defence capabilities in the Baltic region.

The exercise focuses on redeployment, integration, and joint air defence operations, ensuring seamless cooperation between Italian and Lithuanian forces. It aligns with NATO’s broader Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) Model, designed to enhance security and deterrence along the alliance’s eastern flank. Chief of the Defence Staff Lt Gen Remigijus Baltrėnas emphasised that the exercise is another milestone in implementing NATO’s new Rotational Air Defence Model, aimed at strengthening air defences in Eastern Europe.

SAMP/T: A Powerful Shield Against Aerial Threats

The SAMP/T system plays a critical role in defending NATO’s Baltic allies. It is equipped with Aster 30 missiles and an advanced Arabel radar, making it highly effective against a wide range of threats, including:

• Enemy aircraft
• Cruise missiles
• Tactical ballistic missiles

The system’s advanced radar technology ensures precise target tracking, even in environments with intense electronic warfare and jamming. This makes the SAMP/T a crucial asset in NATO’s air defence network, offering rapid response and high interception accuracy.

A Coordinated NATO Defence Effort

The exercise brings together multiple NATO air defence assets, including:

• Lithuania’s NASAMS mid-range air defence system
• Italian SAMP/T system
• Fighter jets from NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission

The Lithuanian Air Operations Centre is actively coordinating these elements, ensuring real-time airspace monitoring and operational execution. Lithuania’s Vice Minister of National Defence Tomas Godliauskas highlighted that the deployment of Italy’s SAMP/T is a major step in making the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model a reality.

NATO’s Growing Defence Presence in the Baltics

Italy is playing a key role in NATO’s security framework in Eastern Europe. It currently leads its seventh NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltics, contributing fighter jets and naval patrols in the Baltic Sea. Italy is also part of NATO’s Multinational Battle Groups, reinforcing ground-based deterrence in the region.

The Rotational NATO Air Defence Model was first tested during Baltic Connection 24, when the Netherlands deployed its Patriot air defence system in Lithuania. This new model aims to integrate various NATO air defence assets across Eastern Europe, ensuring rapid deployment and interoperability in case of a crisis.

Strengthening Europe’s Defence Against Emerging Threats

The deployment of Italy’s SAMP/T system in Lithuania is more than just a military exercise—it’s a strategic move to deter threats from adversarial forces. As NATO continues expanding its air defence capabilities, these joint drills demonstrate the alliance’s commitment to protecting its eastern members from potential air and missile attacks.

With an increasingly volatile security landscape, Lithuania and Italy’s close defence collaboration sends a clear message: NATO is prepared to defend its borders, and its airspace remains well-protected against evolving threats.