Belgium reportedly set to acquire Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG system
Belgium appears set to adopt the SAMP/T NG missile defense system developed by European defense giant MBDA, according to a report by La Lettre on October 28, 2024.
This anticipated acquisition represents Belgium’s first medium-range air defense system, marking a substantial advance in its capabilities.
The procurement process has been in the works since the summer of 2024 and could culminate in an official contract announcement by the end of the year, following the formation of a new coalition government.
As part of its STAR program approved in June 2022, Belgium expressed the need to strengthen its anti-aircraft capacity, particularly by acquiring two surface-to-air (SAM) batteries.
“Market prospecting will have to show to what extent our country can participate in the development of a preferably European SAM system or, from a Military off the Shelf (MOTS) approach, purchase the same systems used in other European countries,” the Belgian Ministry of Defense explained at the time.
What is the SAMP/T NG system?
The SAMP/T MAMBA system is a ground-to-air defense platform designed to protect troops and critical infrastructure against advanced aerial threats, including ballistic missiles. It is capable of tracking up to 100 targets and engaging ten simultaneously and has access to up to 48 ASTER 30 missiles for rapid deployment.
Building on the foundation of the first-generation SAMP/T, which entered service with the French Air Force in 2009 and the Italian Army in 2010, the SAMP/T NG [New Generation – ed. note] features a multi-layered interception approach that utilizes two complementary missiles: the ASTER 30 for long-range interceptions and the MICA missile for low-altitude threats.
The newly introduced ASTER 30 B1NT missiles, designed for use with this new platform, are equipped with a Ka-band homing system, enabling them to intercept ballistic missiles at ranges greater than 600 kilometers.
Additionally, this latest variant was improved to operate in a defense-saturated environment, managing cyber threats, jamming, and decoy tactics.
France and Italy are slated to equip their SAMP/T NG systems with upgraded radar technologies. France will use the Ground Fire 300 radar from Thales, while Italy’s system will be paired with the Kronos GM HP radar. Belgium’s radar choice for its system remains undisclosed.
Belgium’s commitment to European defense
This potential acquisition underscores Belgium’s commitment to enhancing national defense while strengthening ties within the broader European defense framework.
In June 2024, the country, along with France, Cyprus, Estonia, and Hungary, signed a joint agreement to procure at least 1,500 Mistral 3 short-range air defense (SHORAD) systems from MBDA.
In December 2023, it joined as an observer country in the Future Combat Air System or FCAS program, a sixth-generation fighter jet project led by France, Germany, and Spain. The post Belgium reportedly set to acquire Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG system appeared first on AeroTime.
Belgium appears set to adopt the SAMP/T NG missile defense system developed by European defense giant MBDA, according…
The post Belgium reportedly set to acquire Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG system appeared first on AeroTime.
