France, Italy Boost Air Defense with SAMP/T Systems

France and Italy have placed orders for the next-generation SAMP/T (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée/Terrestre) air defense systems. This upgrade aims to provide better protection against evolving threats, including hypersonic missiles, while emphasizing European defense autonomy.

French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced an order for eight SAMP/T NG (New Generation) systems, with initial deliveries expected by 2026. Concurrently, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed an order for ten systems. While specific costs weren’t disclosed, France’s 2024 military budget includes a €674 million ($750 million) allocation for this purchase.

The upgraded SAMP/T NG boasts an impressive intercept range exceeding 150 kilometers, rivaling the capabilities of the US-made Patriot system. Key improvements include enhanced ability to counter short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, as well as hypersonic threats.

European Defense Collaboration and Competition

This joint Franco-Italian initiative underscores the push for “fully European” defense solutions. It comes amid competition from other systems like Germany’s proposed combination of Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T and the American Patriot for the European Sky Shield Initiative.

French President Emmanuel Macron has previously cautioned against rushed purchases of non-European air defense systems in response to the Ukraine conflict. The SAMP/T NG order reaffirms commitment to developing sovereign European defense technologies.

System Specifications and Deployment

A complete SAMP/T NG system includes:

• A radar with 360-degree coverage and 350+ km range
• A command-and-control module
• Up to six launchers, each with eight Aster 30 missiles
• Rapid-fire capability: eight missiles in about 10 seconds
• Typical crew requirement: 20 personnel

France aims to have eight systems by 2030, with a long-term goal of 12 by 2035. Some defense experts suggest a need for 16 systems to meet all commitments, including securing major events like the Paris Olympics.

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International Interest and Future Prospects

Switzerland’s federal armaments office, armasuisse, attended the Rome conference on European air and missile defense, exploring new technological developments and potential challenges in integrated air defense.

The acquisition of next-generation SAMP/T systems by France and Italy marks a significant step in modernizing European air defense capabilities. As geopolitical tensions persist, this move reflects a growing emphasis on autonomous, technologically advanced defense solutions within the European Union.

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