Europe continues to modernise its air defence. On Tuesday, during the conference on European air and missile defence organised by Italy in Rome, Sébastien Lecornu unveiled a strategic contract. The resigning Minister of the Armed Forces announced an order for 8 SAMP/T NG systems (New Generation Medium-Range Ground-Air System). The first of these anti-aircraft and anti-missile devices developed by France and Italy will be delivered in 2026.
Developed by Eurosam, a subsidiary of Thales and MBDA, these devices are complex systems equipped with the Ground Fire 300 radar (Thales) and six launch modules that can each fire up to eight Aster 30 interceptor missiles (MBDA). They are also used by the frigates of the National Navy, which successfully used them against attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
Hypersonic fighter jets and missiles
These anti-aircraft systems can intercept different types of aircraft, from drones to fighter jets and hypersonic missiles. The Aster 30 has a range of more than 150 km and a speed of 3,700 km/h. According to MBDA, the radar detection range exceeds 350 kilometers.
They have proven their worth in Ukraine. They are also used in Romania by NATO as part of the “Aigle” mission. Of course, they protect the airspace in Italy, which has six, and in France, eight systems for the defence of strategic sites. They have also discreetly protected the 2024 Olympic Games from all air attacks.
The order announced in Rome is based on the new generation, presented during the last edition of the Eurosatory show. These NG versions will be tested in October by the DGA before being deployed, specifies the Ministry of the Armed Forces in its press release.
This European air and missile defence conference was launched in 2003. The first edition was held in Paris. “France wishes to see [cette] The dynamics initiated in Paris and Rome continue with the organisation of a third edition of this conference.
Source: BFM TV
