Italy to receive four SAMP/T NG air defense missile systems.

On January 30, 2024, the European Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR-EA) and defense company Eurosam signed the 14th Contract Amendment for the FSAF-PAAMS Sustainment & Enhancement (S&E) Contract. This agreement, aimed at strengthening European air defense capabilities, includes the production of four SAMP/T NG air defense systems for the Italian Army.
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The SAMP/T NG represents an upgrade from the currently operational SAMP/T air defense systems used by France and Italy. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The amendment specifies the production of Aster 30 B1 ground and naval munitions for Italy, aligning with the global order of Aster munitions contracted by OCCAR-EA for France and Italy in December 2022. Additionally, the contract amendment includes provisions for additional procurement for the United Kingdom, particularly for the Mid-Life Update (MLU) of Aster production. This aspect of the agreement expands the scope of update and maintenance efforts for missile defense systems to encompass the UK, alongside the ongoing MLU Aster production initiated in 2021 for the three nations, with deliveries to France and Italy completed in December 2023.

Furthermore, the amendment initiates the production of SAMP/T NG air defense systems. Under this agreement, Eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales, will produce four SAMP/T NG sections for the Italian Army. This development follows the progression of the SAMP/T NG program, which commenced with its joint development by France and Italy in 2021 and the production of pre-serial systems beginning in 2023. The procurement of five SAMP/T NG sections by the Italian Air Force in July 2023 further underscores the ongoing efforts to upgrade air defense capabilities.

This multifaceted approach reflects OCCAR's role in coordinating defense equipment projects across European borders, aimed at enhancing military interoperability and capabilities. The urgency to upgrade air defense systems in Europe has been accentuated by the current implications of the conflict in Ukraine. The selection of defense systems has become a point of discussion, with Germany favoring the IRIS-T system by Diehl Defence and the US-made Patriot for its European Sky Shield Initiative, in contrast to the SAMP/T developed by Thales and MBDA. These discussions have prompted considerations regarding the strategic direction of European defense procurement.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concerns regarding the rapid acquisition of air defense capabilities, advocating for a cautious approach that prioritizes European autonomy and minimizes reliance on non-European equipment. His comments resonate with broader concerns about maintaining European strategic independence in defense procurement amid current geopolitical tensions.

The SAMP/T NG (New Generation) is an advanced air and missile defense system designed to provide 360-degree protection against a wide range of aerial threats, including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, UAVs, helicopters, and aircraft. Developed by Eurosam, a French-Italian joint venture, the system represents an upgrade from the currently operational SAMP/T systems used by France and Italy. The SAMP/T NG features include a detection range of over 350 km and an intercept range exceeding 150 km, enabled by its rotating omnidirectional radar and vertically launched Aster 30 missiles.

This system is designed to ensure air sovereignty and protect sensitive civil or military sites, with a crew requirement of three operators. It seamlessly integrates with various air defense systems, including NATO systems, and its multi-function radar utilizes AESA and GaN technology for precise detection and tracking. The radar can be set up in under 15 minutes by two operators, performing one rotation per second, and fits into a 20 feet ISO container for enhanced mobility.

The SAMP/T NG battery comprises up to 48 Aster missiles ready for launch, a multi-function radar (GF300 or KGM HP), an engagement module (battery C2), and up to 6 launchers capable of carrying 8 ready-to-fire missiles each. The entire system is mobile and operational within 30 minutes, with the ability to launch 8 missiles in 10 seconds in case of an emergency.

The Aster 30 missile, used in the SAMP/T NG, supports short to long-range missions and combines aerodynamic control with direct thrust vector control (PIF-PAF) for maneuverability and hit-to-kill capability. The missile can reach a maximum speed of Mach 4.5 and has a range exceeding 150 km, with a maximum altitude of 25 km. In the mid-course, the missile relies on inertial guidance, utilizing refreshed target data transmitted by the engagement module through the multi-function radar. During the homing phase, guidance is achieved by an electromagnetic active seeker, ensuring accuracy.