France has ordered seven next-generation SAMP/T air defense systems to boost its protection against evolving threats.
It takes the total number of SAMP/T NG systems ordered by France and Italy to 18.
A total of eight systems will be delivered to the French Air Force while the rest will go to the Italian Army and Air Force.
France is expected to receive the first system by 2026 and the rest by 2030. Paris reportedly plans to procure four more systems by 2035.
Can Counter Hypersonics
The NG is an upgrade on the SAMP/T, which has been in service since 2010.
It provides an interception range of over 150 kilometers (93 miles) against a variety of threats, including short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles.
A consortium of Thales and MBDA produces the system, which uses the munitions of the Aster family (A30 B1 and A30 B1NT).
Features
The system is based on the multifunction Thales GF300 rotating active electronically scanned array radar and the New Generation Engagement Module (ME-NG) developed by Thales and MBDA Italy.
The radar provides a 360-degree coverage and has a detection range of 350 kilometers (217 miles).
The ME-NG is designed to integrate a diverse range of radars and munitions to cater to the needs of different nations, according to Thales.
The truck-based system can be equipped with six launchers, each carrying Aster 30 missiles.
“Thales is proud to contribute to the sovereignty of nations with its most innovative Air Defence technologies, including the New Generation Engagement Module (ME-NG) and the GF300 radar,” executive vice-president, Land and Air Systems, Thales Herve Dammann said.
“This contract for seven additional SAMP/T NG for France is a significant step forward in the European Air Defence. It further strengthens Thales’ role as a trusted partner of the French Air and Space Forces.”