The SAMP/T NG (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée / Terrestre – Nouvelle Génération) system is developed through Franco-Italian cooperation and is designed to manage the Aster missile family, specifically Aster 30 B1 and Aster B1NT. This advanced platform offers a multi-layered defence capability by enabling coordination with SHORAD (Short Range Air Defence) and V-SHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defence) assets.
Anne Diaz de Tuesta, Managing Director of eurosam, expressed her appreciation for the Danish decision, stating: “We, at eurosam are deeply honoured by the trust shown by the Danish government in selecting SAMP/T NG for their long-range air and missile defence. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and to assure the Danish armed forces of the complete commitment of eurosam team to provide, together with MBDA and Thales, this strategic capability.”
She added: “It will guarantee the country airspace sovereignty, protect the territory and the Danish population while contributing to the European and NATO countries defence.” Eurosam, together with its partners MBDA and Thales, will deliver the system, providing Denmark with a high-performance capability designed to counter current and future aerial threats.
The SAMP/T NG system is currently in service in France and Italy and has been selected by several other European nations. It is the only European long-range ground-based air defence solution that provides full sovereignty in airspace control and protection of critical assets. With the ability to operate in a civilian air environment, the system is also capable of cooperating with friendly military aircraft and is fully interoperable with NATO and coalition networks.
Key features of the SAMP/T NG include full integration into national and NATO air defence systems and rapid deployment by a limited number of personnel. It offers 360° protection for armed forces, dense urban areas, and sensitive civilian or military sites, while maintaining effectiveness in cyber-challenged environments.
The system is specifically designed to defeat a wide range of threats, including manoeuvring ballistic missiles, re-entry vehicle ballistic missiles, high-speed tactical missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), highly manoeuvrable aircraft, and complex saturating attacks. Its advanced architecture enables it to handle all types of air threats simultaneously and in any combination.
The SAMP/T NG configuration includes up to 48 Aster missiles ready to fire, one multi-function radar and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) module with a detection range beyond 350 km, one engagement module, and up to six launcher modules, each capable of carrying eight missiles. The entire system is mobile and can become operational in less than 30 minutes, allowing for rapid response in critical situations.
At the core of the system is the Aster B1NT missile, a next-generation interceptor developed to meet evolving threats. It builds upon the Aster missile family’s proven design with a new Ka-band seeker, updated interception algorithms, and state-of-the-art electronics. These technologies deliver a significant increase in performance, allowing the missile to cover the full spectrum of threats, including short- and medium-range tactical ballistic missiles (SRBM and MRBM), low-manoeuvrability missiles, and hypersonic threats.
Eurosam, the prime contractor for the system, is a Franco-Italian Economic Interest Grouping (GIE) formed by MBDA France, MBDA Italy, and Thales. For over 35 years, eurosam has been responsible for the design and development of the Aster-based air defence systems, both for land (SAMP/T) and naval (SAAM and PAAMS) applications. These systems have demonstrated operational effectiveness in combat and are currently deployed by multiple European nations.
Today, eurosam is the only European manufacturer capable of offering sovereign medium- and long-range air defence solutions. Its commitment to innovation and its deep expertise in research and development continue to ensure that European nations are equipped to face emerging threats in an increasingly complex strategic environment.
Source: eurosam (press release).
