PARIS, France — France has agreed to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities by supplying two additional SAMP/T air defense batteries this year and accelerating deliveries of Aster 30 interceptor missiles. The announcement follows talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron as both countries expanded their long-term defense cooperation.
Under the agreement, France will transfer two current-generation SAMP/T air defense batteries before the end of 2026 to reinforce Ukraine's air defense network. France and Italy will also speed up the delivery of Aster 30 interceptor missiles, with additional shipments expected by October 2026 to support the systems already in service.
The SAMP/T (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain) is a long-range air defense system jointly developed by France and Italy. It is designed to intercept a range of aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and certain types of ballistic missiles. A standard SAMP/T battery includes a multifunction radar, command post, and mobile launchers armed with Aster 30 missiles. Depending on the target profile, the Aster 30 missile has an interception range of up to 120 kilometers.
Ukraine first received a SAMP/T battery from France and Italy in 2023. The system has since been used to help defend Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure against aerial attacks. As of July 2026, the operation of at least one SAMP/T battery in Ukraine has been officially confirmed.
Ukraine to Become First Operator of SAMP/T NG
As part of the broader defense agreement, Ukraine has placed an order for four SAMP/T NG (New Generation) air defense systems, making it the first country scheduled to receive and operate the upgraded version.
The SAMP/T NG features improved sensors, upgraded command-and-control capabilities, and compatibility with the Aster 30 Block 1 New Technology (B1 NT) interceptor missile, which offers enhanced performance against certain ballistic missile threats.
According to the agreement, the two current-generation SAMP/T batteries being delivered this year will provide additional air defense coverage while production of the SAMP/T NG systems is completed. Once the new systems are delivered and become operational, the temporary batteries are expected to be returned to France.
France Grants Missile and Bomb Production Licenses
The agreement also marks a significant expansion of defense-industrial cooperation between the two countries.
France has granted Ukraine licenses to manufacture several advanced French weapon systems domestically, including:
- SCALP long-range air-launched cruise missiles.
- AASM (Hammer) precision-guided air-to-ground bombs.
- Aster 30 air defense interceptor missiles.
The licensed production is intended to strengthen Ukraine's domestic defense industry, reduce reliance on imported stockpiles, and support long-term sustainment of key weapon systems.
Cooperation on FREYJA Missile Defense Program
France will also participate in Ukraine's FREYJA anti-ballistic missile defense program, providing industrial cooperation and technical support through French defense companies and the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA). The cooperation aims to accelerate the development of Ukraine's domestic missile defense capabilities against ballistic missile threats.
Broader Defense Partnership
The agreement reflects a broader expansion of military and technological cooperation between France and Ukraine. Alongside additional air defense systems and accelerated missile deliveries, the partnership focuses on strengthening Ukraine's long-term defense production capacity through local manufacturing and joint industrial projects.
The combination of new SAMP/T batteries, future deployment of the SAMP/T NG, accelerated Aster 30 missile deliveries, domestic production of advanced French weapons, and cooperation on the FREYJA program is intended to enhance Ukraine's air and missile defense capabilities while supporting the development of its defense industry.
Source : newsukraine
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