Italy and France to receive long-range SAM system
The Franco-Italian consortium Eurosam is developing a new variant of the SAMP/T self-propelled SAM system for the French Air and Space Force and Italian Army.
Eurosam (which comprises MBDA France, MBDA Italy and Thales) received a contract for SAMP/T New Generation (NG) from the European Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on 19 March.
The value of the deal and delivery timescale were undisclosed.
Thales stated that SAMP/T NG is designed to provide 360-degree protection to armed forces and sensitive civil or military sites by countering diverse emerging and future threats such as manoeuvring ballistic missiles, re-entry vehicles, high-speed tactical missiles, UAVs and highly manoeuvrable aircraft, ‘in a saturation attack scenario and a challenging cyber environment’.
SAMP/T NG will have a longer range, with an enhanced missile (ASTER 30 Block 1 NT) including a new seeker ‘and a new computer able to face the new emerging threats’, Thales announced in a statement.
Other new features will include an upgraded launcher featuring new electronic equipment; a new multifunction rotating AESA radar; and a C2 module based on open-architecture software, offering enhanced connectivity.
France and Italy have 10 and 16 SAMP/T systems in service, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Mack Defense receives new contract as push to refresh trucks continues
Mack Defense’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) builds on a commercial vehicle but comes off a dedicated production line. The deal follows previous orders, including orders for Oshkosh’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, along with other logistics and forward-deployed trucks worldwide.
-
Milrem THeMIS robot tests weapon firing to beyond one kilometre
The Milrem Robotics Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) has seen extensive service in Ukraine with an additional six ordered for Ukraine in May.
-
JLTV A2 cleared for first export as AM General awaits US Army plans
The AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production (LRIP) as testing of first vehicles continues. Canada is set to become the first export customer and the likely order will mark an important step for the company as it awaits the outcome of the US Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) which has argued for cuts to JLTV.