France expands air defense capabilities

France’s Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) has ordered four additional SAMP/T NG anti-air batteries, increasing the total number of next-generation systems available to the Air and Space Force to twelve. The Ministry of the Armed Forces states that ten of these batteries will be delivered by the end of 2030, faster than previously planned.

Accelerated delivery due to regional tensions

The decision to accelerate the procurement of these systems comes in response to the war in the Middle East, which exposed gaps in France’s ability to defend sensitive sites, including nuclear-armed air bases. Analyst Étienne Marcuz noted that existing systems were either deployed or in maintenance, leaving few available for domestic protection.

Advanced capabilities of the SAMP/T NG

The SAMP/T NG, developed by Eurosam, is designed to intercept a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. It has been upgraded to address emerging threats like hypersonic missiles, which can travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5. The system uses the Ground Fire 300 radar and the Aster 30 B1NT missile, which has been tested in France.

System effectiveness in complex scenarios

Eurosam claims the SAMP/T NG can counter multiple threats simultaneously, including maneuvering ballistic missiles, drones, and high-speed aircraft. It is intended to intercept missiles like the Russian Iskander or Kinjal, though its ability to stop hypersonic missiles remains unconfirmed.

Integration into layered defense strategy

The SAMP/T NG will be part of a two-tier defense system, working alongside the Mica/VL missile for short-range protection of lower-altitude threats. It can be deployed quickly with a small team to protect military and civilian sites, including large cities and major events like the Olympic Games or G7 summits.

International interest in the system

France, Italy, and Denmark have already ordered the SAMP/T NG, with Denmark choosing it over the American Patriot system. Ukraine has also ordered four systems, and other countries have shown interest in this European air defense solution.