Italian Army’s 4th Air Defence ‘Peschiera’ regiment has reached the initial operational capability (IOC) on the SAMP/T air defence missile system, with the activation of the first two air defence-capable batteries this December. The first live firings by Italian army’s personnel will be conducted next March (2013) in France, against both air breathing and ballistic missiles representative threats. Full Operationally Capability (FOC) will be reached in late 2013, with the activation of all five operational SAMP/T batteries ordered by Italian Army and equipped with Link 16 capability.

Stationed near Mantua, in Northern Italy, Italian Army’s air defence ‘Peschiera’ regiment is structured and being equipped to manage and support all SAMP/T operational batteries. "As already conducted with improved Hawk air defence batteries, our main duty is providing protection of land forces, but we also contribute to national air defence integrated network, including protection of important events, such as Turin Winter Olympic Games and support NATO forces, providing assets for both NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy and UK", says Colonel Carlo Zontilli, ‘Peschiera’ regiment commander. An additional battery in a reduced configuration is kept for training duties in Sabaudia (near Latina), home of Italian army air defence command.