France orders seven additional SAMP/T NG air defence systems

By Defence Industry Europe

During the Second European Air and Missile Defence Conference, French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu confirmed a new contract for the production of seven additional SAMP/T NG (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain - New Generation) systems for the French Air and Space Force. The contract, facilitated through OCCAR-EA, marks the transition to full-scale serial production for the advanced air defence system. This follows previous orders for Italy's Air Force in July 2023 and the Italian Army earlier in 2024.

 

The SAMP/T NG is a collaborative effort between France and Italy, extending the development partnership to the UK. It plays a crucial role in the renewal of European medium-range air defence capabilities, offering protection against a wide range of modern threats, including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and UAVs. The system is designed for seamless integration with NATO and coalition systems, ensuring full interoperability within national and international defence networks.

Each SAMP/T NG section is composed of four key elements: up to 48 Aster missiles ready to fire, a multifunction radar module capable of detecting targets over 350 km away, an engagement module, and up to six launcher modules, each carrying eight missiles. The system is highly mobile and can be fully operational in under 30 minutes, providing 360-degree protection with the ability to engage air and missile threats at ranges exceeding 150 km.

 

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This latest order increases the number of SAMP/T NG systems for the French Air and Space Force to eight, further reinforcing the nation’s air defence capabilities. Thales’ Executive Vice-President for Land and Air Systems, Hervé Dammann, stated, “This contract is a significant step forward in European air defence and strengthens Thales’ role as a trusted partner of the French Air and Space Forces.”

Eurosam, the Franco-Italian joint venture responsible for the development of the SAMP/T NG system, has been a leader in air defence for over 35 years. Eurosam is the only European manufacturer capable of offering sovereign medium and long-range air defence solutions. Its systems, both land (SAMP/T) and naval (SAAM and PAAMS), have been proven effective in combat and are critical in addressing modern defence challenges.

The SAMP/T NG’s advanced anti-access/area-denial capability ensures the protection of both military and civilian assets, offering a comprehensive defence solution in today’s evolving global security environment.

 

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