Italy is finalizing the formation of its 13th military aid package for Ukraine, which will serve as the first tranche of the current year. As reported by two sources familiar with the preparations on November 5, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto will present the package to the parliamentary committee for intelligence and security (COPASIR) next week. Crosetto's official address to lawmakers is scheduled for November 10, following which formal approval of the supplies is expected.
Contents of the Package and Timelines
Although the full composition of the 13th tranche remains classified, sources indicate that it may include Aster interceptor missiles for the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system. Kyiv has repeatedly appealed to allies to increase air defense capabilities to counter massive strikes against energy infrastructure and civilian facilities. The deliveries will be carried out under a decree approved by the Italian government late last year, which authorizes the transfer of weapons to Ukraine until December 31 of this year.
Political Rift in the Ruling Coalition
The preparation of the new package comes amid rising internal tension within the ruling coalition. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni consistently advocates for the continuation of military support to Kyiv; however, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and his 'League' party have stated they will vote against further arms supplies. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Crosetto, conversely, defend the military aid as an element of Italy's commitments to the European Union and NATO. Previously, Salvini publicly promised to push for an end to deliveries, but the government did not support him, and Meloni expressed dissatisfaction with such statements.
Context: Delays and Winter Support from the 'European Five'
The story of the 13th package has not been without delays: previously, the aid transfer was 'frozen' until November 3, after which Foreign Minister Tajani stated that the package was fully ready for shipment. Now, almost a year after the approval of the previous tranche, Italy is returning to regular deliveries. At a broader level, the preparation of the Italian package fits into the coordinated efforts of the 'European Five' (E5) countries—Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Poland—which formed joint aid packages ahead of winter with a focus on air defense systems and other equipment.
The Question of Extending Aid Through 2027
A separate open question remains whether Meloni will appeal to parliament to request an extension of authority for arms supplies beyond December 31. The current decree expires at the end of the year, and without a new decision from lawmakers, further supplies would be blocked. Sources do not report whether the government has made a decision on this matter, or when, if it happens, the topic will be brought for discussion in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
