Italy extends SAMP/T air defence deployment in Estonia until spring 2026

The deployment of the Italian SAMP/T air defence system in Estonia has been extended until spring 2026, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced.

“Italy has decided to extend the presence of the SAMP/T system and the CAEW long-range radar surveillance and control aircraft,” Crosetto said during a visit to the Ämari Air Base, Caliber.Az reports, citing Latvian media.

He noted that while the initial plan was to keep the air defence system in place until autumn 2025, “it will now remain in Estonia until the end of Italy’s air policing mission next spring.”

“From the moment we decided to send our forces and assets to NATO’s eastern flank, we were ready to do whatever was necessary. But I believe that the most important thing now is to maintain composure and calm,” the minister added.

The SAMP/T complex was deployed in Estonia in June 2025. Around 500 Italian servicemen are also stationed at Ämari Air Base, where it is located.

By Khagan Isayev