PARIS — France has ordered four additional SAMP/T NG (New Generation) air and missile defence firing units, bringing its planned fleet to 12 systems for the French Air and Space Force. The first system was delivered in early 2026, while 10 additional units are scheduled for delivery before the end of 2030, according to the French defence procurement agency, the Direction générale de l’Armement (DGA).
The contract was placed through the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) with Eurosam, a consortium comprising MBDA France, MBDA Italy and Thales. France’s configuration will combine long-range Aster missiles with shorter-range MICA VL interceptors to provide layered air defence.
Upgraded Radar and Missile Interception
SAMP/T NG is the successor to the Franco-Italian SAMP/T system, known as Mamba in French service. Development began in 2021 to improve protection against faster, more manoeuvrable and stealthier threats.
The system incorporates Thales’ Ground Fire 300 (GF300) radar and a new-generation fire-control system designed to operate with the Aster 30 Block 1 NT (B1NT) missile. According to the DGA, the system paired with the Aster B1NT is designed to intercept both ballistic and hypersonic threats travelling at speeds exceeding Mach 5.
SAMP/T NG provides 360-degree coverage and can engage multiple targets, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and manoeuvring ballistic missiles. Its layered configuration combines Aster 30 B1 and Aster B1NT missiles with MICA VL and other short-range air defence assets. The system is designed to engage targets at distances exceeding 150 kilometres, depending on the missile and engagement conditions.
It can integrate into national air defence networks and operate with NATO and coalition systems while coordinating with friendly military aircraft, including in civilian airspace.
Mobile Launchers and Aster B1NT Upgrades
A standard SAMP/T NG firing unit can become operational in less than 30 minutes. It includes an engagement module and a multifunction radar with an identification friend-or-foe (IFF) capability. Eurosam states that the radar can detect and identify targets beyond 350 kilometres.
Each unit can have up to six launchers, each carrying eight Aster missiles, providing a maximum of 48 ready-to-fire missiles.
The Aster B1NT features updated electronics, improved interception algorithms and a Ka-band seeker. These upgrades are intended to improve performance against complex threats, including short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, as well as support interception of hypersonic threats.
European Orders and Export Interest
Italy has ordered 10 SAMP/T NG firing units, while Denmark has ordered four and is expected to begin receiving them in 2028. Ukraine is also expected to receive systems to strengthen its air defence capabilities.
Switzerland, Belgium and Turkey have been reported as discussing or evaluating the system, but these discussions do not constitute confirmed orders.
Eurosam, which has more than 35 years of experience developing Aster-based air defence systems, is continuing the programme with its French and Italian industrial partners. France’s additional order strengthens its planned air defence fleet and supports the wider European effort to counter aircraft, cruise missiles and advanced ballistic missile threats.
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