Eurosam SAMP/T NG

History

Eurosam SAMP/T NG is a Franco-Italian mobile ground-based air and missile defence system developed as the next generation of the SAMP/T family. It is intended to protect deployed forces and high-value areas against aircraft, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.

The system combines new multifunction radars, an updated engagement module, upgraded vertical launchers and the ASTER missile family. Its principal new interceptor is the ASTER 30 B1NT, developed to improve performance against advanced air and ballistic missile threats.

SAMP/T NG is designed for autonomous operation or integration into wider air-defence networks. Depending on the national configuration, it uses the French Ground Fire 300 radar or the Italian Kronos Grand Mobile High Power radar.

Development

Development of SAMP/T NG began in March 2021 as a joint French-Italian programme. Preliminary design reviews were completed in 2022.

In January 2023, OCCAR completed a sustainment and enhancement contract for France and Italy that supported global production of SAMP/T NG systems. A July 2023 contract amendment enabled procurement of additional systems for the Italian Air Force.

In September 2024, France formalised an order for seven SAMP/T NG sections for the French Air and Space Force, marking the start of serial production. In October 2024, the first ASTER 30 B1NT missile was successfully launched from the new SAMP/T NG configuration. The test involved the new launcher and firing-control architecture, including the updated engagement module and B1NT firing controls.

A second ASTER 30 B1NT firing from SAMP/T NG took place in August 2025. Denmark selected SAMP/T NG for long-range air and missile defence in September 2025. The system was planned to enter service from 2026.

In 2026, Switzerland began examining an additional long-range ground-based air-defence system after delays affected delivery of previously ordered Patriot systems. Swiss requirements included delivery assurance, effectiveness against long-range threats, integration with national air defence, secure missile and spare-parts supply, and potential European or Swiss industrial participation. SAMP/T NG was discussed as a possible European candidate, but the Swiss authorities had not publicly identified the remaining competitors or announced a final selection in the supplied material. Possible SAMP/T delivery to Switzerland in 2029 was also discussed.

Design

SAMP/T NG is a mobile, highly automated surface-to-air missile system intended for medium- and long-range air defence. A battery can include one multifunction radar, one engagement module and up to six launcher modules carrying as many as 48 ready-to-fire ASTER missiles.

The main components are normally installed on 8×8 vehicles. The system is designed for rapid deployment and can be transported by C-130-class aircraft or comparable transports. A typical battery has approximately 20 personnel.

Radar

France uses the Thales Ground Fire 300 multifunction radar with SAMP/T NG. It provides 360-degree azimuth coverage and surveillance to approximately 400 km. The radar can track more than 1,000 targets simultaneously and supports air surveillance, ballistic-missile detection and engagement functions.

The Italian configuration uses the Leonardo Kronos Grand Mobile High Power radar. It is an active electronically scanned array radar with gallium nitride transmit-receive modules. Its surveillance range exceeds 300 km, and it can track more than 500 targets.

At system level, SAMP/T NG sensors are intended to detect air-breathing threats at ranges exceeding 350 km.

Engagement module

The engagement module provides command, control and weapon assignment for the battery. It is designed to operate within layered integrated air and missile defence networks and supports Link 16 and other communications, including satellite links. Up to four operators can manage sensors, networks and engagement decisions from the module.

Launchers

The upgraded vertical launcher retains 360-degree firing capability and can be deployed and operated remotely from the engagement module. Each launcher carries eight missiles and can fire them in rapid succession. A battery with six launchers therefore carries up to 48 ready-to-launch missiles.

Missiles

SAMP/T NG uses the ASTER missile family, including the ASTER 30 B1NT. An ASTER missile is approximately 4.9 m long, has a body diameter of about 180 mm and weighs approximately 450 kg. It uses a two-stage solid-propellant propulsion system and can reach speeds of up to Mach 4.5.

The missile combines aerodynamic controls with lateral thrust control around the missile centre of gravity to provide high manoeuvrability. It carries a proximity-fused blast-fragmentation warhead.

Program status

SAMP/T NG entered serial production for French requirements in 2024, while qualification activities continued with ASTER 30 B1NT firings in 2024 and 2025. France and Italy are the original programme nations, and Denmark selected the system in 2025. Entry into service was planned from 2026.

The system has also attracted interest as a European alternative for long-range ground-based air and missile defence. Switzerland was considering an additional long-range system in 2026, although no confirmed Swiss selection of SAMP/T NG was contained in the supplied material.

Variants

• French SAMP/T NG: Configuration using the Thales Ground Fire 300 multifunction radar.
• Italian SAMP/T NG: Configuration using the Leonardo Kronos Grand Mobile High Power multifunction radar.

Operators

• France: Ordered SAMP/T NG sections for the French Air and Space Force, with serial production initiated in 2024.
• Italy: Participant in the joint development programme and customer for SAMP/T NG systems, including systems for the Italian Air Force.
• Denmark: Selected SAMP/T NG for long-range air and missile defence in September 2025.

Specifications (SAMP/T NG)

General characteristics

• Type: Mobile ground-based air and missile defence system
• Manufacturer: Eurosam
• Development: Franco-Italian programme
• Typical battery personnel: Approximately 20
• Launchers per battery: Up to 6
• Missiles per launcher: 8
• Ready missiles per battery: Up to 48
• French radar: Thales Ground Fire 300
• Italian radar: Leonardo Kronos Grand Mobile High Power

Performance

• Air-breathing target detection range: More than 350 km
• Air-breathing target engagement range: More than 150 km
• Maximum stated engagement altitude: Approximately 25 km
• Ground Fire 300 surveillance range: Approximately 400 km
• Kronos GMHP surveillance range: More than 300 km
• Ground Fire 300 tracked targets: More than 1,000
• Kronos GMHP tracked targets: More than 500
• Ballistic-missile capability: Designed to detect and intercept manoeuvring ballistic missiles associated with threat ranges exceeding 600 km

Armament

• Missile family: ASTER
• Principal new interceptor: ASTER 30 B1NT
• Missile length: Approximately 4.9 m
• Missile body diameter: Approximately 180 mm
• Missile weight: Approximately 450 kg
• Maximum missile speed: Up to Mach 4.5
• Propulsion: Two-stage solid-propellant motor
• Warhead: Proximity-fused blast-fragmentation