Defense News
ROME — Italy will double production of missiles for its SAMP/T air defense batteries next year, Italy’s defense minister has said, as Ukraine reportedly runs out of stocks for its two batteries.
In an Italian TV interview on Monday, minister Guido Crosetto said that the Italian arm of European missile house MBDA would boost production of the Aster missiles by 40% this year and 100% in 2026.
But he added, “the first deliveries that will arrive will be in a year, a year and a half.”
That will be little relief to Ukraine. On Monday, French newspaper Le Monde reported that Kyiv has run out of missiles for its batteries, just as Russia steps up missile and drone attacks on the country.
Ukrainian authorities said Russia fired its biggest ever drone barrage against the country on Sunday night, using 355 Shahed-type drones and nine cruise missiles.
