President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine will receive the European SAMP/T air defense system this year and intends to test it against ballistic threats. Speaking to journalists on Saturday, he described SAMP/T as “the only alternative currently available in Europe” and emphasized the potential long-term benefits if the system proves capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
“If the tests are successful, it will become a long-term, reliable support,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East create a risk of reduced air defense supplies to Ukraine and that negotiations are underway with multiple countries regarding available stockpiles.
The president highlighted that Ukraine is looking specifically at SAMP/T as a priority alternative.
“If we and the French succeed in intercepting ballistic missiles, this will be the first such alternative. We have agreed with President Emmanuel Macron that Ukraine will be first in line once these systems become operational,” he explained.
Zelenskyy also stressed the urgent need for domestic air defense production.
“We will take steps in air defense and missile manufacturing—you will see. We simply have no other option. We need several hundred systems. We cannot wait decades for one system per year. Production is the only way. We must protect our skies,” he said.
Looking beyond immediate military needs, the president emphasized that Ukraine must secure its ports and airports for the post-war period.
“Even after the war ends, people must be confident that if a stray missile hits, they will be protected,” Zelenskyy added.
This announcement underlines Ukraine’s dual strategy: integrating advanced European air defense technology while building domestic production capacity to ensure long-term security.
