COPENHAGEN / PARIS — April 22, 2026 : Denmark has formally signed a contract for the Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG long-range air-defense system, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028, according to an April 21 announcement by Thales. The agreement confirms Denmark as the first export customer of the next-generation system and the third operator overall, following France and Italy.
The contract, signed in the first quarter of 2026, covers an initial acquisition of four systems valued at approximately €1.47 billion. The purchase forms part of Denmark’s broader €7.8 billion national air-defense program, which envisions the procurement of up to eight systems over time. The system is produced by Eurosam, a joint venture between Thales and MBDA.
System Configuration and Radar Capabilities
Denmark’s SAMP/T NG configuration will integrate the Thales Ground Fire 300 radar, a fully digital active electronically scanned array (AESA) system operating in the S-band. The radar provides 360-degree coverage with a stated detection range of up to 400 kilometers and is capable of tracking approximately 1,000 targets simultaneously. Designed for rapid deployment, the system is containerized and can be set up in under 15 minutes.
In addition to the radar, Thales will supply the command-and-control architecture, including the Next Generation Engagement Module (ME-NG), as well as the seeker for the interceptor missile. The radar family entered serial production in early 2025 and is designed to perform both air-surveillance and fire-control functions, with high resistance to electronic jamming.
Aster 30 B1NT Interceptor and Testing
The SAMP/T NG system will employ the Aster 30 Block 1 New Technology (B1NT) interceptor developed by MBDA. The missile is designed to engage aerodynamic targets at ranges exceeding 150 kilometers and to counter medium-range ballistic missiles and emerging hypersonic threats. It incorporates a Ka-band seeker and reaches speeds of approximately Mach 4.5.
The Aster 30 B1NT underwent its first test firing in October 2024 in a complex multi-target scenario, followed by a second qualification firing in July 2025 that validated its long-range performance. The system’s fire-control unit has been updated with new software to support integration of the upgraded interceptor.
To meet increasing demand, MBDA plans to double production of the Aster missile family in 2026, targeting an annual output exceeding 300 missiles by 2028. The Aster 30 is also deployed in naval air-defense systems used by the French, Italian, and British navies. MBDA has not disclosed the precise delivery schedule of missiles for Denmark.
Procurement Decision and Patriot Delays
Denmark selected the SAMP/T NG system in September 2025 over the U.S.-manufactured Patriot air-defense system. The decision followed emerging concerns regarding delivery timelines for U.S. systems, particularly in the context of increased demand linked to the conflict involving Iran.
In March 2026, Switzerland reported delays of four to five years in Patriot deliveries and indicated plans to pursue a second European-produced system, identifying SAMP/T NG as the only viable regional alternative. The Netherlands accelerated its Patriot procurement the same month to secure production slots and avoid potential delivery delays extending to 2033.
U.S. authorities have also signaled possible delays in supplying weapons and ammunition to Baltic countries due to operational demands associated with the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Production, Deliveries, and European Cooperation
Thales stated that Denmark will benefit from expanded production capacity for both the SAMP/T NG system and Aster missiles, enabling deliveries to begin in 2028. The Danish contract was recorded as one of seven large orders exceeding €100 million secured by Thales in the first quarter of 2026, contributing to €1.62 billion in such contracts. The company reported total order intake of €4.65 billion, a 23 percent increase year-on-year, with sales rising 7.2 percent to €5.32 billion.
France and Italy placed orders for eight and ten SAMP/T NG systems respectively in September 2024. The Italian Army received its first system in January 2026, equipped with the Kronos Grand Mobile HP radar developed by Leonardo, which provides an air-surveillance range of at least 300 kilometers. France’s Air Warfare Center (CEAM) received its first system in February 2026 and has initiated operational testing focused on mobility, energy autonomy, and integration into broader air-defense networks.
International Interest and Deployment Outlook
Beyond Denmark, additional countries are advancing or considering adoption of the SAMP/T NG system. Ukraine is expected to receive a system in 2026 and plans to conduct testing against ballistic missile threats, according to statements made in March 2026 by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Turkey has resumed discussions with Italy regarding a potential acquisition that could include technology transfer and joint production. The renewed talks follow a March 2026 incident in which NATO air-defense systems intercepted ballistic missiles originating from Iran that entered Turkish airspace.
The SAMP/T NG program is managed through the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAR) and is designed to integrate into both national and NATO air-defense architectures. The system is intended to provide layered defense against a full spectrum of aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and emerging hypersonic systems.
——— End of Article ———
