en.Wedoany.com Reported - On April 30, 2026, Eurosam received a contract from France to develop a multi-layer version of the SAMP/T NG system, integrating both ASTER and VL MICA missiles.
The contract was awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on behalf of France, and prepared jointly with the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA). In addition to Eurosam, its parent companies MBDA and Thales will also participate in this development. The development objective is to add short-range air defense capability with MICA VL missiles to the French variant of SAMP/T NG, complementing the medium-to-long-range air defense and ballistic missile defense capabilities provided by ASTER missiles.
Through this development, the medium-range ASTER B1 and long-range ASTER B1NT effectors with ballistic missile defense capability, as well as the short-range MICA VL and MICA NG VL effectors (including infrared and electromagnetic versions), will be integrated into a single multi-layer system. The new operational capability requires an upgrade to the next-generation engagement module (ME-NG) of the SAMP/T NG. The ME-NG will be responsible for coordinating fire to optimize the use of launchers carrying these effectors, in the context of an increasing number and variety of air and space threats.
Under this contract, the SAMP/T NG units planned in the current French 2024-2030 Military Planning Law will be delivered to the French Air and Space Force in this multi-layer ASTER / VL MICA configuration. The new version is designed to be scalable, aiming to broaden its multi-layer capability by integrating very short-range missile effectors, such as the MISTRAL 3 missile, and anti-drone systems.
Regarding Eurosam, the company is a Franco-Italian joint venture created by MBDA France, MBDA Italy, and Thales. For over 35 years, it has been the industrial prime contractor and design authority for air defense systems based on the Aster missile. The ground-based (SAMP/T) and naval (SAAM and PAAMS) systems developed by Eurosam have proven their effectiveness in combat.
Regarding the SAMP/T NG, it is a new version of the SAMP/T system currently in service in France and Italy, providing advanced denial/area-blocking capabilities. The system is designed to operate in a civilian air environment, capable of cooperating with friendly military aircraft, and fully integrated into national air defense networks. The extended engagement capability of the SAMP/T NG provides 360-degree protection, capable of simultaneously engaging any combination of air and space threats at ranges exceeding 150 kilometers. A SAMP/T NG unit comprises up to 48 ready-to-fire Aster missiles, a multi-function radar capable of detecting and identifying targets at ranges exceeding 350 kilometers, an engagement module, and up to six launch modules. The entire system is mobile and can be deployed and operational in less than 30 minutes.
Regarding the ASTER B1NT missile, it is a member of the Aster missile family, offering an expanded air defense area and improved interception capability against new complex threats. Based on a unique aerodynamic and pyrotechnic architecture, it employs guidance technology utilizing a Ka-band seeker and new interception algorithms. The ASTER B1NT missile will cover the full spectrum of threats, including short-range and medium-range tactical ballistic missiles (SRBMs and MRBMs), low-maneuverability missiles, and hypersonic missiles.
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