Two successful firings of the SAMP/T New Generation (SAMP/T NG) were performed in France and Italy. They demonstrated once more the high level of performance of this long-range capability developed by eurosam, for the armed forces of the two nations in the frame of the historical trilateral Air Defense FSAF-PAAMS cooperation managed by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) on behalf of France, Italy and the UK.
These firings were held at PISQ (Poligono Interforze del Salto di Quirra) test range, in Sardinia, on December the 3rd with a SAMP/T NG Italian variant and at DGA Essais de Missiles test range, at Biscarrosse, on December the 15th with a SAMP/T NG French variant.
Following previous successful firings of ASTER B1NT missiles in October 2024 and July 2025 which validated the long-range capability, these two new firings in full new generation system configuration (Engagement Module, sensor radar, launchers interconnected) demonstrate the enhanced operational capabilities of the SAMP/T NG long range air defense system which will allow to intercept challenging aerial and missiles targets in terms of range, manoeuvrability, furtivity or speed.
These firings are a great achievement for the bilateral SAMP/T NG programme managed by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation), on behalf of France and Italy. Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of eurosam, MBDA and Thales teams, OCCAR, and experts from the two Nations, particularly from French DGA and Italian DNA, these successes are important steps forward in the development of this new cutting-edge European Air Defense asset.
SAMP/T NG has already been ordered to equip the French and Italian air and space forces as well as the Italian army. The first systems will be delivered to the ArmĂ©e de l’Air et de l’Espace (French Air and Space Force), the Esercito Italiano (Italian Army) early 2026 for operational evaluation. In September 2025, Denmark selected the French variant of SAMP/T NG to provide the country with a state-of-the-art solution for its long-range surface-based air and missile defence.
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I wish our lot would give serious thought to this for the RAAF’S medium-long range SAM system and buy a decent number of them too. Why? its more mobile then patriot, it requires significantly less people (min 20 v 90, I believe) and its a much newer development. With the added benefit of not putting all our eggs in the USA basket, which Trump has shown could be wise.
I agree. South Korea is also fielding a medium range SAM that they have already sold to the UAE and Saudi Arabia to augment their Patriot batteries.