Italy Finalizes 13th Military Aid Package for Ukraine Despite Political Disputes
Italy is finalizing its 13th military aid package for Ukraine, which may include Aster anti-aircraft missiles for the SAMP/T systems.
This was reported by Reuters, citing two informed sources.
Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto is expected to present the package to the Parliamentary Committee for the Security of the Republic (COPASIR) on November 10, after which it is to be approved.
This will be Italy’s first military aid package in 2026 and the thirteenth since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.
The contents of the package will remain classified. However, the publication’s sources suggest that it may include Aster interceptor missiles for the SAMP/T air defense system, which are currently in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
On October 29, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told the ANSA news agency that the new aid package is nearly ready.
According to him, after the parliamentary committee is briefed, the document is to be signed by Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti.
As a reminder, the approval of the 13th military aid package was delayed due to political disputes within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition.
In particular, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s right-wing party League for Salvini Premier opposes further arms deliveries to Ukraine.
At the same time, Crozetto and Tajani support continuing military aid to Ukraine.
Current legislation allows the Italian government to transfer weapons to Ukraine until December 31, 2026. It is currently unknown whether this authorization will be extended to 2027.
In August, Militarnyi reported that Italy was preparing a new package of military aid, which, according to Italian media, was planned to include Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles.
Source: Defence Blog
