The SAMP/T NG is rapidly deployed and easily integrated into an air defense network, making it easy to operate in different scenarios.
The Italian Air Force has committed 700 million euros for the acquisition of the latest generation air defense system SAMP/T NG, according to a contract signed on July 18, 2023.
The contract with OCCAR-EA and Eurosam
The agreement was signed by Joachim Sucker, director of OCCAR-EA and Eva Bruxmeier, general director of Eurosam, modifying the existing FSAF-PAAMS Sustainment & Enhancement (S&E) contract. This new order follows the production of SAMP/T NG ordered in January 2023 for the Italian Army and the French Air and Space Forces.
The contract modification was granted by OCCAR, on behalf of SEGREDIFESA and the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), to the Italian-French consortium Eurosam, backed by MBDA France, MBDA Italia and Thales LAS France.
With this contract, the Italian Air Force joins the FSAF-PAAMS program, joining the Italian and French armies, as well as the British Royal Navy.
Characteristics of the SAMP/T NG system
The SAMP/T NG system, designed for all air defense missions, brings key enhanced capabilities. These include its aerial surveillance range of more than 350 km and an interception range of more than 150 km. In addition, it can operate in dense civil air environments and provide 360-degree protection to armed forces and sensitive civil or military sites.
The system can also counter emerging and future threats as diverse as hypersonic missiles, maneuvering ballistic missiles, reentry vehicle ballistic missiles, high-speed cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and highly maneuverable aircraft.
The components of the SAMP/T NG
The system is based on an improved missile, MBDA’s ASTER Block 1 NT, which includes a new seeker and computer, an improved launcher and a new 360-degree rotating multifunction radar, Leonardo’s Kronos Grand Mobile High Power for Italy and Thales’ Ground Fire 300 for France.
In addition, it features a common command and control module based on an updated open command and control software architecture and improved connectivity.
With these enhanced features, SAMP/T NG will provide France, Italy and any other customer with the ability to guarantee their airspace sovereignty, protect their territory and population, and protect their troops in operations.
The value of the contract for the Italian Air Force
The contract was signed in the presence of representatives of SEGREDIFESA, the DGA and the Italian Air Force. This agreement represents an important milestone in the incorporation of the latter into the FSAF-PAAMS program together with the Italian Army and Navy, the French Navy and Air and Space Forces and the British Royal Navy.
The Italian Air Force will have SAMP/T NG surface-to-air defense capabilities with this contract. This system represents a significant improvement over the SAMP/T system in service since 2010, providing greater robustness against various airborne threats.
The system uses MBDA’s ASTER 30 Block-1 and ASTER 30 Block-1 NT (New Technology) air defense missiles, enhancing the ability to detect and track modern targets, including ballistic and hypersonic threats.
The SAMP/T NG system has an air surveillance range of more than 350 km and an interception range of more than 150 km, as well as being able to operate in dense civil air environments and provide 360-degree protection.
The SAMP/T NG system can counter threats such as hypersonic missiles, maneuvering ballistic missiles, reentry vehicle ballistic missiles, high-speed cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and highly maneuverable aircraft.
The SAMP/T NG system is based on MBDA’s ASTER Block 1 NT missile, which includes a new seeker and computer, as well as an improved launcher and a new 360-degree rotating multifunction radar.
The SAMP/T NG system is easily integrated into an air defense network, making it easy to operate in different scenarios and environments.
The SAMP/T NG system provides countries, such as France and Italy, with the ability to guarantee the sovereignty of their airspace, protect their territory, their population and their troops in military operations.
