Italy will deploy a SAMP-T air defense system to Turkiye’s central Konya province as part of NATO’s standing defense plans aimed at strengthening the alliance’s air defense capabilities.

Axar.az reports, citing Turkish media, the Italian system will be stationed at the 3rd Main Jet Base Command in Konya to enhance NATO’s collective security measures and reinforce allied solidarity.

“Within the scope of NATO's Standing Defense Plan, one Italian SAMP-T Air Defense System will be deployed to the 3rd Main Jet Base Command in Konya in order to strengthen the alliance's air defense,” the ministry said.

The SAMP-T, jointly developed by Italy and France, is a medium- and long-range air and missile defense system designed to counter threats including aircraft, drones, and tactical ballistic missiles. The deployment comes as Turkiye prepares to host a NATO summit focused on defense capabilities, deterrence, and alliance cooperation.