Sébastien Lecornu, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, confirmed the order of eight SAMP/T NG systems (New Generation Surface-to-Air Missile System, or Mamba NG) during a conference on European air and missile defense held in Rome on September 16 and 17. He also noted that the first units would be operational within the French Air and Space Force (AAE) in 2026, one year earlier than originally planned. In other terms, there is not much time to lose.
In summary, the SAMP/T was created by the Eurosam consortium (MBDA and Thales) as part of a Franco-Italian cooperation initiative, which was conducted through the Joint Armament Cooperation Organization (OCCAr). It is equipped with a Ka-band sensor and employs the new Aster 30 Block 1 NT interceptor missile. The French version is used in conjunction with the Ground Fire 300 radar, which is supplied by Thales.
The program achieved a significant milestone on October 8 in Biscarrosse with the first effective test firing of an Aster 30 B 1NT from the missile testing site of the General Directorate of Armament (DGA-EM).
This is the first development test of the ASTER 30 B1 New Technology missile, which will be implemented in the future Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG air defense system and the naval platforms of both nations that are equipped with anti-air defense systems, stated the DGA.
The test scenario was comparatively intricate, requiring the interception of a “target representing an enemy fighter” in order to safeguard a “friendly aircraft.”
The Ministry of Armed Forces indicated in a press release that DGA Missile Testing guaranteed the safety of personnel and property in the exercise area, as well as the overall coordination of the operation and the implementation of the targets.
As per Eurosam, a SAMP/T battery comprises 48 Aster 30 B 1NT missiles that are prepared for launch, a multifunction radar (the Ground Fire 300 for France and the Kronos GM HP for Italy), an engagement module, and six launchers.
The SAMP/T NG will be a technological advancement in comparison to the American Patriot system. “It will be one of the few systems in the world that can intercept a hypersonic missile, stated Emmanuel Chiva, the French Delegate for Armaments (DGA), in an interview with Le Figaro in May.
In particular, the SAMP/T NG will offer 360-degree protection, capable of detecting and intercepting maneuvering ballistic missiles with a range of over 600 km and “aerial targets” at distances exceeding 150 km.
