France has carried out the first live-fire test of the SAMP/T NG air defense system, confirming key capabilities of its next-generation engagement module and Ground Fire radar. Conducted at the Biscarrosse missile test range, the trial represents a significant step toward operational deployment, with deliveries to France and Italy planned for 2026.
Thales said the test firing validated the integration of the new digital fire control architecture with the Ground Fire radar, a cornerstone of the SAMP/T NG upgrade. Company executives highlighted the system’s role as Europe’s primary alternative for medium- and long-range air defense, capable of countering advanced threats including ballistic missiles, maneuvering aircraft, and massed drone attacks. Commissioning of operational units is expected to begin in 2026.
Designed for mobility and survivability, the SAMP/T NG battery can protect large urban areas or high-value military assets while rapidly relocating after engagements. The system’s engagement module fuses sensor data, assigns targets, and manages interceptor launches either autonomously or within a networked air defense architecture. A typical battery operates up to six launchers equipped with Aster 30 interceptors, ensuring robust first-salvo capacity.
The Ground Fire radar represents the most significant technological leap in the NG configuration. Thales describes the sensor as a fully digital AESA radar with continuous 360-degree coverage, rapid refresh rates, and long-range detection exceeding 400 kilometers. Paired with the highly agile Aster missile family, which features active terminal guidance and advanced thrust-vector control, the SAMP/T NG is engineered to provide comprehensive 360-degree air and missile defense against a wide spectrum of modern threats.
