Italian Army receives first SAMP/T NG and GRIFO air defense systems

Italy’s Army has taken delivery of its first SAMP/T New Generation (NG) and GRIFO surface-to-air missile systems.  

The handover took place on January 22, 2026, at the Santa Barbara barracks in Sabaudia, home to the Army Air Defence Artillery Command (COMACA). 

The induction of both systems is intended to establish a layered air defense posture, combining medium-range and short-range interceptors to counter a wide range of threats, from crewed aircraft and cruise missiles to unmanned aerial systems. 

SAMP/T NG, Aster B1NT and a new radar 

Italian Army SAMPT NG air defense system (Credit: Esercito Italiano)SAMP/T NG is the latest evolution of the SAMP/T family, developed by the EUROSAM joint venture, which brings together MBDA Italy, MBDA France, and Thales under an OCCAR-managed program.  

The new version of the system is based on the Aster 30 B1NT interceptor, credited with an engagement envelope of more than 150 kilometers (about 93 miles) against aerodynamic targets and certain classes of ballistic missiles. 

The Italian system is paired with Leonardo’s Kronos Grand Mobile High Power radar, which Italian and industry sources describe as offering detection and tracking ranges of more than 350 kilometers (about 217 miles). The SAMP/T NG is intended to integrate into national air defense networks as well as NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence architecture. 

France is the program’s other core partner and is progressing in parallel with its own SAMP/T NG fielding. The French version of the SAMP/T NG is equipped with the Thales Ground Fire 300 radar. The system has already undergone long-range firing trials in France, validating the Aster B1NT interceptor ahead of operational deployment by both French and Italian forces. 

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Interest in the Franco-Italian system grows across Europe 

In September 2025, Denmark selected SAMP/T over the US-made Patriot for its long-range air defense requirement. Copenhagen also chose to procure two VL MICA air defense systems from MBDA France for short-range protection. 

Several other NATO and EU countries are assessing SAMP/T NG as a long-range air and missile defense option, including Luxembourg, which is examining the system in the context of potential EU SAFE funding, and Belgium, which has reportedly been moving toward acquisition as part of its medium-range air defense modernization.  

GRIFO adds a SHORAD layer built around CAMM-ER 

Italian Army GRIFO air defense system (Credit: Esercito Italiano)Complementing the medium-range layer, the GRIFO system is intended to reinforce Italy’s short-range air defense (SHORAD) capability. Built around MBDA’s CAMM-ER missile, GRIFO is designed to counter low-altitude and fast-reaction threats, including drones, helicopters, cruise missiles, and fixed-wing aircraft. Italian Army officials have framed GRIFO as a key component of a modern, mobile air defense network rather than a standalone point-defense solution. 

Where Skynex fits 

Italy is advancing its air defense renewal with the introduction of Rheinmetall’s Skynex, a gun-based short-range air defense system designed for close and very close protection of high-value sites. It was delivered in December 2025. 

Skynex features the 35 mm Revolver Gun Mk3, which fires programmable AHEAD airburst ammunition. This ammunition is engineered to defeat drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and low-flying aircraft at ranges of several kilometers, or a few miles. 

In the Italian Army’s defense strategy, Skynex serves as the innermost layer of protection, positioned beneath missile-based systems such as GRIFO and SAMP/T NG. The post Italian Army receives first SAMP/T NG and GRIFO air defense systems appeared first on AeroTime.

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