The agreement for the advancement of the SAMP/T NG (Next Generation) for France and Italy has been formalized today at OCCAR facilities in France (Paris region) with the participation of the French Air and Space Force personnel, the Italian Army representatives, the OCCAR Director, and national delegates from the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) as well as the Italian Armament Directorate (SGD). OCCAR has conferred the contract, on behalf of DGA and SGD, to the Franco-Italian joint venture eurosam, supported by its three stakeholders MBDA France, MBDA Italy, and Thales.
This agreement builds upon the initial contract established in 2016, aimed at augmenting the operational SAMP/T systems within the French Air and Space Force and the Italian Army.
Under this contract, eurosam is set to deliver a significant upgrade to the SAMP/T system which includes:
– An advanced missile expanding the ASTER family: the ASTER Block 1 NT (new technology) featuring an updated seeker and a modern computer to address emerging threats.
– A revamped launcher equipped with new electronic systems.
– A novel multifunction rotating Active Electronically Scanned Array radar.
– An improved command and control module utilizing a modernized open command and control software architecture along with enhanced connectivity.
The SAMP/T NG is engineered to fulfill all Ground-Based Air Defense missions with superior key capabilities. It is a long-range surface-to-air missile defense system that can:
– Function in a densely populated civil air environment, harmonizing with friendly military aviation and fully integrated within air defense networks.
– Deliver 360-degree protection to armed forces and critical civil or military installations.
– Provide dual capabilities to simultaneously neutralize all types of targets, in various combinations.
– Address emerging and future threats such as maneuvering ballistic missiles, re-entry vehicle ballistic missiles, high-speed tactical missiles, UAVs, and highly maneuverable aircraft, even in a saturation attack situation and challenging cyber environment.
– Deploy rapidly with a minimal number of personnel and seamlessly integrate into an air defense network.
With these advanced capabilities, SAMP/T NG will empower France, Italy, and any other customers to ensure their airspace sovereignty, safeguard their territory and populace, and protect their forces during operations.
