France orders seven additional SAMP/T air defence systems

During the Second European Air and Missile Defence Conference, French Minister of Defence Sébastien Lecornu confirmed a new contract for the production of seven additional SAMP/T NG systems.

Here's What We Know

The new contract will bring the total number of these air defence systems to eight. It was signed with the support of OCCAR-EA and marks the transition to full-scale serial production of SAMP/T NG. Earlier, in July 2023, the Italian Air Force ordered the system for the Italian Army.

SAMP/T NG is a joint system between France and Italy. It plays a crucial role in updating Europe's medium-range air defence capabilities, offering protection against a wide range of modern threats, including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and UAVs.

Each SAMP/T NG section consists of four key elements: up to 48 ready-to-launch Aster missiles, a multifunctional radar module capable of detecting targets at a distance of over 350 km, a kill module and up to six launch modules, each carrying eight missiles.

The SAMP/T is highly mobile and can be fully operational in less than 30 minutes, providing 360-degree protection with the ability to engage airborne targets at a range of over 150 km.

Source: Defence Industry Europe