France orders more air defense systems

The Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), France’s defense procurement agency, has ordered four more SAMP/T NG air defense sections for the Air and Space Force. The contract was awarded to Eurosam, a European defense company, through the OCCAr, a joint procurement organization.

Upgrading air defense capabilities

The military programming law had already planned to add four SAMP/T NG sections to the current fleet, and this new order aims to speed up the modernization of France’s air defense system. General Jérome Bellanger, Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force, stated that by 2030, the force will have 10 SAMP/T NG systems and 9 VL MICA missiles.

Integrated and compatible systems

The SAMP/T NG and VL MICA systems are expected to work together in an integrated way. The new sections will be natively compatible with existing systems, while the first eight will require retrofitting to ensure they function together effectively.

Funding and timeline for delivery

Nearly 2 billion euros have been allocated to the 2026 budget for these upgrades, with an additional 220 million euros planned for 2027. A first upgraded section is expected to be deployed in 2027 after testing by the Military Air Expertise Center. Eurosam plans to deliver the second section in 2027, followed by two or three more in 2028.

Production and export goals

To meet the delivery schedule, Eurosam and its manufacturers, Thales and MBDA, are increasing production rates. This boost is expected to benefit France’s defense exports, with Denmark being the first country to benefit. Danish modules are already in production, and the first Danish system is expected to be ready in early 2028.

France’s support for Ukraine

France has committed to delivering four SAMP/T NG sections to Ukraine as soon as possible. The system includes advanced components like the Aster 30 B1 NT missile and GF 300 radar, which General Bellanger calls a “small revolution” in air defense capabilities.

International interest and discussions

The SAMP/T NG has attracted interest from several countries, including Belgium and Luxembourg. Belgium is expected to make a decision next year, while Luxembourg is preparing a special law to support its acquisition. Switzerland is also considering the system as a complement to its aging PATRIOT system.

Training and international collaboration

To support the global use of the SAMP/T system, the Air and Space Force has established an international training school at the 702 Air Base in Avord. The school includes a Danish detachment trained to deploy the system quickly. This effort reflects France’s broader participation in European and NATO defense initiatives.