Italy Deploys New SAMP/T NG and GRIFO Air Defense Missile Systems Into Operational Service.

On January 22, 2026, Italy formally inducted the SAMP/T New Generation and GRIFO air defense missile systems into operational service at the Santa Barbara barracks in Sabaudia. This move significantly strengthens Italy’s layered air and missile defense posture as European militaries face faster, more complex aerial threats.

Italy’s Army has officially inducted the SAMP/T New Generation (NG) and GRIFO air defense missile systems into frontline service, marking a key milestone in the country’s ongoing military modernization effort. Defense officials held the handover ceremony at the Santa Barbara barracks in Sabaudia, Lazio, where the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command (COMACA) is based. The action demonstrates a broader push by Italian defense planners to counter advanced cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and unmanned aerial systems with modern, networked defenses.
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New SAMP/T NG launcher unit delivered to the Italian Army, equipped with the Aster 30 B1NT missile, offering enhanced capability against ballistic and aerodynamic threats as part of Italy’s upgraded multi-layered air defense network. (Picture source: Italian MoD)

The centerpiece of this modernization is the SAMP/T NG, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system. This system was developed through the Franco-Italian EUROSAM joint venture, which includes MBDA Italy, MBDA France, and Thales. Designed to counter both aerodynamic and ballistic threats, the SAMP/T NG gives Italy a multi-role, mobile air defense capability. It is fully aligned with NATO’s evolving integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) doctrine.

At its core, the SAMP/T NG introduces several critical enhancements over the previous SAMP/T configuration. The most significant upgrade is the integration of the Aster 30 B1NT interceptor, an extended-range missile equipped with an upgraded seeker and enhanced propulsion, enabling engagements at distances exceeding 150 kilometers. This capability marks a substantial leap over the original Aster 30 Block 1, whose range was limited to approximately 100-120 kilometers and lacked the same level of precision against advanced ballistic threats.

The SAMP/T NG is also equipped with Leonardo’s Kronos Grand Mobile High Power radar, a cutting-edge AESA system that extends detection range beyond 350 kilometers and enables simultaneous tracking and prioritization of multiple targets. The radar's high refresh rate and digital beam-forming technology provide superior performance against maneuvering, low-RCS (radar cross-section) threats such as stealth aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. Additionally, the system features a fully modernized open-architecture command and control suite, enabling faster sensor-to-shooter loops, simplified battlefield integration, and real-time interoperability with NATO C2 networks.

Compared to the first-generation SAMP/T currently in service, the NG version offers several improvements. These include reduced reaction time, better electronic resilience, and greater flexibility in networked operations. While the original system focused mainly on conventional air-breathing threats, the new variant provides Italy with robust protection against short- and medium-range ballistic missiles—even those with evasive trajectories or high terminal velocities.

The new GRIFO air defense missile system in service with the Italian Army, featuring CAMM-ER interceptors and vertical launch capability for 360-degree short-range protection against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. (Picture source: Italy MoD)

Complementing this medium-range capability is the GRIFO air defense missile system, which provides mobile short-range coverage. Developed and manufactured entirely in Italy by MBDA, GRIFO integrates the CAMM-ER (Common Anti-Air Modular Missile, Extended Range) missile. This next-generation interceptor is derived from the UK-developed CAMM family and adapted for Italian operational requirements. With a range exceeding 40 kilometers, CAMM-ER offers rapid launch readiness and soft vertical launch (SVL) technology for full 360-degree coverage. It also provides high maneuverability to intercept fast, low-flying, or highly evasive aerial threats.

The GRIFO system addresses a critical gap in short-range defense. It ensures protection against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, and anti-radiation weapons targeting radar assets. Its vertical launch capability allows engagement from any direction without mechanical reorientation. This drastically reduces system response time. Furthermore, GRIFO’s modular design allows integration on various mobile platforms. It can be scaled to meet operational requirements, from point defense of critical infrastructure to mobile convoy protection.

GRIFO stands out in the current operational context because it can function as a fully autonomous SHORAD system or as part of a wider layered defense network. The system includes advanced fire control radars. It can coordinate with other sensors or command nodes through open-standard digital interfaces. GRIFO supports distributed operations in contested environments and is optimized for rapid deployment. This is especially valuable in expeditionary or maneuver warfare scenarios.

Together, the SAMP/T NG and GRIFO systems deliver a comprehensive, multi-tiered air and missile defense solution. The SAMP/T NG defends against high-altitude, long-range threats, including ballistic missiles. GRIFO protects forces and assets from low-altitude, short-range intrusions. Both systems are interoperable with NATO defense structures. They are also capable of joint operations within coalition environments.

Italy has also invested significantly in domestic defense industry capabilities by inducting these systems. Italian firms developed or produced key components, including radars, interceptors, and software architecture, reinforcing national sovereignty and industrial competitiveness in the missile defense sector. The program advances a broader strategy to establish an independent yet interoperable European missile defense capability, with Italy playing a central role.

After operational delivery, COMACA defense units will integrate both systems in the field, with NATO certification trials in the second half of 2026. Italy’s air defense architecture, centered on SKYNEX, GRIFO, and SAMP/T NG, signals a shift toward a modular, scalable, and resilient structure capable of countering modern air threats.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.