MBDA has conducted two successful tests firings of its SAMP/T New Generation (SAMP/T NG) long-range air defence system at separate events in France and Italy, the company announced on 16 December 2025.
The first event took place at the Poligono Interforze del Salto di Quirra (PISQ) test range in Sardinia on 3 December using a SAMP/T NG Italian variant, while the second was held at the missile test range operated by the French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement – DGA) at Biscarrosse on the French southwest coast on 15 December using a SAMP/T NG French variant.
The firing demonstrated again “the high level of performance of this long-range capability developed by Eurosam” for the armed forces of the two nations in the frame of the historical trilateral Air Defence FSAF-PAAMS co-operation managed by Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) on behalf of France, Italy and the UK, MBDA stated.
Eurosam is a joint venture between MBDA France and MBDA Italy, which whole a total of 66%, and Thales, which holds the remaining 33%.
Following previous successful firings of Aster B1NT surface-to-air missiles in October 2024 and July 2025, which validated the system’s long-range capability, these two new firings in full new-generation system configuration – featuring engagement module, radar and interconnected launchers – demonstrates the enhanced operational capabilities of the SAMP/T NG air defence system, which will facilitate the interception of challenging aerial and missile targets in terms of range, manoeuvrability, stealth or speed.
“These firings are a great achievement for the bilateral SAMP/T NG programme managed by OCCAR on behalf of France and Italy,” MBDA stated in a press release. “Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of Eurosam, MBDA and Thales teams, OCCAR, and experts from the two nations, particularly from the French DGA and Italian [National Armaments Directorate], these successes are important steps forward in the development of this new cutting-edge European air defence asset.”
The SAMP/T NG system has already been ordered to equip the French and Italian air and space forces as well as the Italian Army. The first systems will be delivered to the French Air and Space Force and Italian Army in early 2026 for operational evaluation.
In September 2025 Denmark selected the French variant of the SAMP/T NG to provide the country with a state-of-the-art solution for its long-range surface-based air and missile defence.
