France orders four additional SAMP/T NG air defence units

The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), acting on behalf of France, has awarded Eurosam a contract for four additional SAMP/T NG air and missile defence firing units. This new order brings France’s total to 12 systems intended for the French Air and Space Force.

Developed through Franco-Italian cooperation involving MBDA and Thales, the SAMP/T NG system is designed for long-range ground-based defence and integration with national and NATO networks. The mobile units can become operational in under 30 minutes, providing 360-degree coverage and an engagement range exceeding 150 km. The system features a multi-function radar capable of detecting targets beyond 350 km.

The technology utilizes Aster 30 B1 and Aster B1NT missiles. The newer B1NT variant employs a Ka-band seeker and advanced algorithms to provide hit-to-kill capabilities against ballistic missiles, low-manoeuvring targets, and hypersonic threats.