The Ukrainian armed forces have found themselves in a difficult situation due to the almost complete depletion of stocks of Aster-30 missiles, which are necessary for the operation of the Samp-T anti-aircraft systems, previously supplied by Italy and France. This was reported by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, indicating that Kyiv has been persistently asking the governments of these countries for at least 50 additional missiles to maintain the combat capability of air defense systems for several weeks. However, neither Rome nor Paris have yet made a final decision on deliveries. Italy, according to the publication, is facing a critical reduction in its own reserves, which makes it difficult to allocate ammunition. France, which has more significant stocks, is also in no hurry to respond, leaving the question open.

Negotiations on this topic intensified on March 14, when Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov arrived in Rome to meet with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto. The main goal of the visit was to discuss the possibility of urgent deliveries of Aster-30 missiles. In addition, Umerov held consultations with the management of Eurosam, a consortium of MBDA Italy, MBDA France and Thales responsible for the production of these munitions. Corriere della Sera emphasizes that the shortage of missiles threatens the effectiveness of two Samp-T systems that Ukraine uses to protect strategic facilities from air attacks.

According to the Kyiv Post, the intensity of Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure has increased in recent months, which has accelerated the consumption of air defense ammunition. Against this background, France, Italy and the UK signed a contract on March 14 for the production of 218 new Aster missiles through OCCAr, but the timing of their delivery to Ukraine remains uncertain. Experts note that Italy only retains three Samp-T batteries for its own needs, and France, despite its larger arsenal, uses Aster-30s to protect its ships in the Red Sea. This limits the ability of both countries to quickly support Kyiv.