France, Italy Procure Upgraded SAMP/T Air-Defense Systems

France and Italy have placed orders for the next-generation SAMP/T air-defense system to bolster their protection against threats, including hypersonic missiles.

The system, developed by Thales and missile manufacturer MBDA, boasts an intercept range exceeding 150 kilometers and is designed to counter short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.

French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu highlighted the system's "fully European" nature, emphasizing the importance of "sovereign and innovative European technologies". France has ordered eight SAMP/T NG systems, with the first delivery expected in 2026, while Italy has ordered ten systems.

The French government has allocated €674 million ($750 million) in its 2024 military budget for the purchase.

The SAMP/T NG system features advanced capabilities, including a 360-degree radar with a range of over 350 kilometers, command-and-control units, and launchers capable of firing up to eight Aster 30 missiles within 10 seconds.

This development comes amid tensions surrounding the European Sky Shield Initiative, where Germany favored the U.S.-made Patriot system and Diehl Defence's IRIS-T over the French-Italian SAMP/T. Italy has already signed a contract for four SAMP/T NG systems through the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR), with delivery expected in 2025.

Italy has also provided assistance to Ukraine, deploying a second SAMP/T air defense battery to counter Russian missile attacks. France plans to have eight SAMP/T NG systems operational by 2030 and 12 systems by 2035, while Italy enhances its Aster missile capabilities alongside its new system orders.

Switzerland's federal armaments office, armasuisse, attended the Rome conference, exploring advancements in integrated air defense technologies. The Swiss defense procurement process has seen reduced competition, with only Diehl remaining as a potential bidder for a new medium-range air-defense system.