Thales-Integrated SAMP/T NG Nears Operational Readiness

A further milestone was reached in the development of Europe’s next-generation medium- and long-range air defence capability with the successful test firing of the French configuration of the SAMP/T NG system. The firing was conducted on December 15, 2025, at the DGA Essais de Missiles test range in Biscarosse, France, and validated the integration of a modernised engagement module with the Thales Ground Fire radar.

Validation of a modernised fire-control architecture
The test followed an earlier successful firing in Italy on December 3, 2025, and focused on the French variant of the system. Together, the two firings demonstrated the functionality and performance of the upgraded SAMP/T NG fire-control system, including its redesigned Engagement Module. The campaign confirmed the system’s ability to operate as intended when coupled with the Ground Fire radar, marking a key step toward operational qualification.

The programme is led by Eurosam, a joint venture between Thales and MBDA, under the supervision of Organisation Conjoint de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAR).

Radar performance demonstrated under operational conditions
A central element of the firing campaign was the Ground Fire radar, which has been in series production since early 2025. The radar is based on fully digital active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology and is designed for surveillance, detection, tracking, and classification across a wide range of threat types and environments.

During the test, the radar demonstrated a surveillance range of up to 400 km, with continuous panoramic coverage of 360° in azimuth and 90° in elevation. Its one-second refresh rate supports rapid target updates, enabling simultaneous tracking of diverse threats such as drones, combat aircraft, and ballistic missiles. The system is also designed to operate effectively in complex conditions, including maritime and mountainous terrain, dense air traffic, and electronic countermeasure environments, while retaining the mobility expected of a tactical radar.

Implications for European air defence capability
The successful firing confirmed the performance of the SAMP/T NG system as a long-range air defence solution capable of countering ballistic, manoeuvring, and saturation threats. Within the European context, it positions the system as a domestically developed option for medium- and long-range air defence, supporting national and regional defence requirements.

The Biscarosse firing represents another step toward operational deployment in France and Italy, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2026. The results of the test campaign contribute to system qualification activities and support the transition from development to fielding by the armed forces.

Programme status and next steps
Testing at the Biscarosse range, operated by DGA Essais de Missiles, provided validation of both radar and fire-control elements under representative conditions. With multiple firings completed in different national configurations, the programme continues to progress toward full operational readiness, reinforcing Europe’s industrial and defence autonomy in integrated air and missile defence systems.

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