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Breaking News: Belgium Set to Choose MBDA's SAMP/T Over US Patriot for its Air Defense.
As Belgium prepares to enhance its air defense capabilities, the choice appears to be leaning towards the SAMP/T, a missile defense system developed by the European group MBDA, as reported by La Lettre on October 28, 2024. This decision marks a significant step in Brussels' ongoing efforts to modernize its military equipment while strengthening strategic partnerships with European neighbors, particularly France. Notably, this will be the first time Belgium equips itself with a medium-range air defense system, addressing a longstanding gap in its military capabilities. The contract, under discussion since the summer, could be announced in the coming weeks, once a new coalition government is formed in Belgium.
The SAMP/T NG, equipped with the ASTER 30 Block 1NT missile featuring Ka-band guidance, enhances interception capabilities against hypersonic threats up to 1,000 km away (Picture source: French MoD)
The SAMP/T, also known as MAMBA in the French military, is a surface-to-air missile defense system designed to protect strategic locations and deployed forces from a wide range of airborne threats, including cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and both manned and unmanned aircraft. Developed by Eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales, the SAMP/T is capable of countering threats within a 600 km range class and is designed to operate effectively in environments with high electronic clutter and countermeasures. The system features the Aster 30 missile, which employs a tandem booster and advanced guidance technology for precise interception, and the Arabel radar, which provides multi-function detection and tracking capabilities.
The SAMP/T NG (New Generation) variant incorporates significant upgrades, including the Aster Block 1 NT missile with an enhanced seeker and a new command and control module. The system’s rotating AESA radar ensures 360-degree coverage, while the eight vertical launchers, each carrying ready-to-fire Aster 30 missiles, allow rapid response and high firepower, with the ability to simultaneously engage multiple targets. The system is highly mobile, with components mounted on military trucks, making it suitable for rapid deployment and integration into broader NATO air defense architectures.
The decision is part of broader defense cooperation between Belgium and France, as the two countries aim to harmonize efforts and optimize resources to meet Europe's growing security needs. By choosing the SAMP/T over the American Patriot, Belgium favors a European solution that, in addition to its technical advantages, could strengthen the continent's strategic sovereignty. The contract is expected to be worth several hundred million euros, although the exact number of systems to be acquired has yet to be determined. A complete SAMP/T battery is estimated at around $500 million, compared to roughly $1 billion for a Patriot battery.
In return for this investment, Belgium aims to secure "fair return" industrial compensations, which could also extend to other ongoing programs in the land domain.
MBDA, with its experience in missile system development and a key role in Europe's defense architecture, is well-positioned to meet Belgium's needs. The company has already demonstrated its commitment to addressing European missile defense challenges through projects like TWISTER, a multi-role interceptor initiative designed to counter threats ranging from maneuvering ballistic missiles to hypersonic gliders. Supported by the European Defense Fund, this project aligns with efforts to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy and address current capability gaps.
Belgium is also preparing to finalize an agreement with France for FN Herstal to supply small-caliber ammunition to the French armed forces, in collaboration with a French-based industrial partner. Additionally, FN Herstal will begin producing its ultra-light Evolys machine gun for the French Land Army next year, with deliveries scheduled for late 2025. Regarding the Camo program, Belgium's counterpart to France's Scorpion program, the first Griffon vehicles are expected in 2025, followed by the Jaguar in 2026 and Caesar in 2027. In the naval sector, an agreement is being prepared between the Belgian and French Ministries of Defense on the specifications of mine-hunting vessels, jointly designed with Paris and The Hague, and produced by Naval Group.
Belgium's decision to engage with MBDA comes amid heightened security concerns in Europe, prompting national military capability enhancements and increased collaboration among EU member states. By opting for the SAMP/T, Brussels joins a group of European countries already using the system, including France and Italy, which will facilitate system integration and resource sharing across the continent.
Since January 2016, Belgium has shown a growing interest in acquiring ballistic missile defense capabilities, a priority highlighted by Defense Minister Steven Vandeput. This objective is part of the 2030 strategic plan to modernize the Belgian armed forces and contribute to NATO's Ballistic Missile Defense initiative, launched in 2010. In February 2016, Vandeput discussed with the defense committee the opportunity to equip the Land Component with a BMD system, considering two options: a radar system costing 50 million euros or a full missile battery, dubbed "full Monty," costing 600 million euros. At the time, potential systems included the American Patriot, Eurosam's SAMP/T, and Lockheed Martin's MEADS.
Currently, Belgium mainly relies on the Mistral short-range air defense system, used to protect airbases and other sensitive sites. This infrared-guided missile system is designed to counter low-altitude threats such as helicopters and slow-moving aircraft.
In addition, the Belgian armed forces employ anti-aircraft guns, though these aging systems no longer meet modern air defense standards against threats like ballistic missiles or drones. The lack of medium- or long-range surface-to-air defense systems underscores Belgium's interest in acquiring MBDA's SAMP/T to modernize and strengthen its air defense capabilities.