Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had agreed with French President Emmanuel Macron on receiving a new SAMP/T air defense system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
The head of state said this while speaking with journalists, Ukrinform reports.
According to Zelenskyy, the most important and key topic during his meeting with the French leader was an alternative to the U.S. Patriot air defense system.
“SAMP/T is the only alternative in Europe today. We will see this year whether the new SAMP/T systems can intercept ballistic missiles. This year we will receive a system that we will test against ballistic threats. If it works, it will become good long-term assistance,” Zelenskyy noted.
He emphasized that if SAMP/T proves effective, Ukraine will be first in line to receive new systems.
“If we and the French succeed and we are able to intercept ballistic missiles, it will be the first such alternative. And of course, Emmanuel and I are agreeing that Ukraine will be first in this queue. Because as soon as they start intercepting ballistic missiles, there will immediately be a queue. Therefore my main task was to agree that we will test it together and that we will be first in line. I do not see any other alternatives for now,” the president concluded.