France orders more air defense systems

The Direction générale de l'armement (DGA), France’s defense procurement agency, announced on October 21, 2026, that it has ordered four more sections of the SAMP/T NG ground-to-air defense system for the Air and Space Force. This brings the total number of next-generation systems to twelve, with ten expected to be delivered by the end of 2030.

SAMP/T NG system details

The SAMP/T NG is a joint Franco-Italian project launched in 2021 and managed by Eurosam, a consortium that includes the Italian and French branches of MBDA and Thales. It is designed to intercept advanced threats such as ballistic and hypersonic missiles, which can travel faster than Mach 5.

Technological upgrades

The system uses the GF300 radar from Thales and is intended to work with the future Aster B1NT interceptor missile. It builds on the existing SAMP/T system, known as "Mamba," by incorporating a next-generation firing control system that improves detection, tracking, and engagement of threats.

France’s air defense goals

France aims to enhance its air defense capabilities to ensure national sovereignty and protect its airspace independently. The SAMP/T NG is also being exported, with Denmark having selected it in April 2025 and Ukraine expected to receive one unit by the end of 2026.

Export interest and military use

Ukraine is set to become the first combat user of the system, as it faces challenges in countering Russian ballistic missiles due to a global shortage of interceptors. Switzerland is considering the system, and other countries have expressed interest, though the DGA has not named them specifically.