French Ambassador visits unit using Franco-Italian air defence system
On Thursday, French Ambassador to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins spoke about his visit to one of the Ukrainian units that is using the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence system to protect against Russian attacks.
Source: Etienne de Poncins on Twitter, reported by European Pravda
Quote: "I visited a Ukrainian unit that is using the Franco-Italian SAMP-T system. This system helps protect the population and troops of Ukraine from attacks by Russian drones and missiles."
J'ai rendu visite sur place à l'unité 🇺🇦 qui sert le système 🇫🇷🇮🇹 SAMP-T. Ce système participe à la défense de la population et des forces 🇺🇦 contre attaques de drones et missiles 🇷🇺. Échanges chaleureux. Réaffirmation soutien de la 🇫🇷 contre l'agresseur 🇷🇺. Remerciements @KpsZSU pic.twitter.com/jnlXTJyigX
— Etienne de Poncins (@EdePoncins) August 3, 2023
Details: He added that he had a "sincere exchange of views" with the military and called SAMP/T "a confirmation of France's support in the fight against the Russian aggressor".
"We thank the Ukrainian Air Force," the diplomat concluded.
Background: SAMP/T-MAMBA is Europe's first long-range anti-missile system. It can destroy enemy aircraft at a range of 3 to 100 kilometres and ballistic missiles at a range of 3 to 25 kilometres, with a strike attitude of up to 25 kilometres.
SAMP/T was developed by the European consortium Eurosam (MBDA Italy, MBDA France and Thales). The system is in service in Italy, France and Singapore.
The transfer of the SAMP/T system to Ukraine was part of Italy's sixth military aid package announced in February 2023, in agreement with France. This was first officially confirmed by French President Emmanuel Macron in June 2023.
Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
