Denmark is set to begin receiving the Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG air-defense system from 2028, following contracts signed earlier this year, French defense company Thales announced. The firm will provide the radar component for Denmark’s system.
According to Thales, the Danish configuration will feature the Ground Fire 300 radar. With this acquisition, Denmark becomes the third nation to adopt the SAMP/T NG platform, joining France and Italy.
Copenhagen selected the SAMP/T system in September over the U.S.-built Patriot system—a choice that now appears timely. The U.S. has warned of potential delivery disruptions tied to the Iran conflict, while Switzerland recently indicated delays of up to five years for its Patriot orders.
Thales noted that Denmark will benefit from increased manufacturing capacity for both the SAMP/T NG system and Aster missiles, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2028. Missile manufacturer MBDA plans to double production of its Aster missile family by 2026 to meet rising demand. These missiles are used not only in ground-based systems but also by the French, Italian, and British navies for advanced air defense.
The Danish contract is categorized by Thales as a “large order,” exceeding €100 million ($118 million). The company will supply the radar, command-and-control system, and missile seeker technology.
The SAMP/T system is produced by Eurosam, a joint venture between Thales and MBDA’s French and Italian divisions. The upgraded version will use the Aster 30 Block 1 New Technology interceptor, which has a range of 150 kilometers and is designed to counter medium-range ballistic and hypersonic threats using a new Ka-band seeker.
Testing of the upgraded Aster missile began in October 2024 under complex conditions involving multiple targets, followed by a second qualification launch in July 2025 to confirm long-range performance. Updates to the SAMP/T NG fire-control software ensure compatibility with the new interceptor.
Thales’ Ground Fire radar family offers up to 400 kilometers of detection range with full 360-degree coverage, using an S-band AESA antenna. The system is designed for rapid deployment, with setup possible in under 15 minutes.
France and Italy placed orders for eight and ten SAMP/T NG units, respectively, in September 2024. Italy received its first system in January, equipped with Leonardo’s Kronos Grand Mobile HP radar, which has a surveillance range exceeding 300 kilometers. France began operational testing in February through its Air Warfare Center, evaluating factors such as mobility, energy independence, and integration into existing defense networks.
Ukraine is expected to receive a SAMP/T NG system this year and plans to test it against ballistic missile threats, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Meanwhile, Switzerland is considering acquiring an additional long-range air-defense system—preferably European-made—due to delays with its Patriot systems. The SAMP/T remains the only European alternative. The Netherlands also expedited a Patriot purchase in March to secure production capacity, avoiding potential delays that could extend deliveries to 2033.
Turkey is reportedly preparing to resume discussions with Italy regarding the acquisition of the SAMP/T system, including possible technology transfer and co-production. This follows renewed concerns over regional missile threats, including incidents where NATO defenses intercepted ballistic missiles entering Turkish airspace. A deal would enhance Turkey’s NATO-compatible missile defense capabilities.
In its latest financial update, Thales reported seven major orders exceeding €100 million in the first quarter, totaling €1.62 billion. Overall, the company’s order intake rose 23% year-over-year to €4.65 billion, while sales increased 7.2% to €5.32 billion.
