The firings took place on 3 December at the PISQ test range in Sardinia with an Italian SAMP/T NG variant and on 15 December at the DGA Essais de Missiles range in Biscarrosse with a French variant. Both tests were carried out using the full new generation configuration, including the engagement module, sensor radar and interconnected launchers.
These firings followed earlier successful tests of ASTER B1NT missiles in October 2024 and July 2025, which validated the system’s long-range capability. The latest results demonstrate the enhanced operational performance of SAMP/T NG against demanding aerial and missile threats in terms of range, manoeuvrability, stealth and speed.
The successful firings represent an important achievement for the bilateral SAMP/T NG programme managed by OCCAR on behalf of France and Italy. They were made possible through the combined efforts of eurosam, MBDA, Thales, OCCAR and experts from the two nations, including the French DGA and the Italian DNA.
Eurosam is a Franco-Italian joint venture between MBDA France, MBDA Italy and Thales, and has acted for more than 35 years as the industrial prime contractor and design authority for Aster missile-based air defence systems. Developed through cooperation between France and Italy and extended to the United Kingdom, its land and naval systems have demonstrated their effectiveness in combat, positioning eurosam as the only European manufacturer offering sovereign medium and long-range air defence solutions.
SAMP/T NG is the new version of the SAMP/T system currently in service in France and Italy and is designed to provide advanced anti-access and area-denial capability. The mobile system offers 360-degree protection beyond 150 km, integrates fully into national and NATO air defence networks, and is capable of protecting armed forces and sensitive sites against current and future air and missile threats.
