The Director of the OCCAR Executive Administration Matteo Bisceglia and the Managing Director of Eurosam Eva Bruxmeier signed the contract for the production of the new generation of medium range air defence systems (SAMP/T NG) for France and Italy. The contract was signed on behalf of the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) for French Air Force and SEGREDIFESA for Italian Army. The development of SAMP/T NG system was launched in cooperation between France and Italy in March 2021. This system implements 2 new generation radars able to track future threats at medium range (the Kronos Grand Mobile High Power of LEONARDO for Italy and the Ground Fire 300 of THALES for France) and a modern engagement module resulting from a fruitful cooperation between THALES and MBDA Italy.
According to a press release published on March 19, 2021, the Franco-Italian consortium, Eurosam has signed a contract with the European Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation to develop the next generation SAMP/T NG (New Generation) Air Defence System (ADS). The contract signed at OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) premises in France in the presence of the French Air and Space Force staff, the Italian Army staff, the OCCAR Director and National representatives of the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) and of the Italian Armament Directorate (SGD). This contract complements the first contract signed in 2016 with the objective to enhance the SAMP/T systems operational in the French Air and Space Force and the Italian Army.
Following the successful preliminary design reviews in 2022, OCCAR, on behalf of DGA and SGD prepared the global production contract to secure the delivery of SAMP/T NG systems for both Nations simultaneously with the global ASTER missiles production contract. Through an intensive negotiation, OCCAR, with the continuous involvement of EUROSAM, THALES, MBDA Italy and LEONARDO and with the strong support of DGA and SGD built an optimised production contract for both Nations. By this result, OCCAR illustrates again the will of European industries to build a strong European Air Defence system. Following this new success, OCCAR is now preparing another SAMP/T NG production contract for the Italian Air Force.
The SAMP/T NG (New Generation) will use the ASTER Block 1 NT (new technology), an enhanced missile to enlarge the ASTER family, fitted with a new seeker and a new computer able to face the new emerging threats. Provide a 360-degree protection to armed forces and sensitive civil or military sites. The new air defense systems will also include, an upgraded launcher featuring new electronic equipment, a new multifunction rotating Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, and a command and control module based on upgraded open command and control software architecture and enhanced connectivity. It will be able to counter emerging and future threats as diverse as maneuvering ballistic missiles, re-entry vehicle ballistic missiles, high-speed tactical missiles, UAVs and highly maneuvering aircraft.
