France confirms long-range strike capability of SAMP/T NG interceptor

France’s defense procurement agency has successfully completed a second development test of the ASTER 30 Block 1NT missile, confirming the long-range interception capabilities of the future SAMP/T NG ‘MAMBA’ air defense system being jointly developed with Italy. 

The announcement was made by the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) on July 31, 2025, following a test launch from the DGA missile testing site in Biscarrosse, southwestern France. 

“This second development firing marks a significant milestone for the future Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG system, which will strengthen defense capabilities against advanced aerial threats,” the DGA said in a statement shared on LinkedIn. The test was conducted as part of the ongoing ASTER B1NT development program, overseen by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). 

Next-generation capabilities for modern threats 

Developed by the Eurosam consortium, formed by MBDA and Thales, the SAMP/T NG (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée / Terrestre de Nouvelle Génération) is a next-generation surface-to-air missile system. The French variant features Thales’ Ground Fire 300 radar and the ASTER 30 B1NT interceptor missile, which incorporates new Ka-band seeker technology and autonomous onboard target recognition. 

According to France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces, the B1NT variant is capable of intercepting targets at altitudes up to 25,000 meters and ranges up to 150 kilometers. It is designed to counter a wide spectrum of threats, including medium-range ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons. 

The GF300 MRI radar, validated in March 2025, provides full 360° coverage and can track up to 1,000 targets simultaneously, even in contested electromagnetic environments, thanks to its GaN-AESA design. 

Long-range capability confirmed 

The latest test, part of a campaign dubbed ‘Minerve’, aimed to validate the long-range engagement capability of the missile. While the DGA did not disclose specific performance statistics, it highlighted the contribution of its technical teams in ensuring the launch’s success and data analysis. 

France has ordered eight SAMP/T NG systems under its 2024–2030 military programming law. According to a timeline confirmed by Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu in September 2024, the first system is expected to enter service with the French Air and Space Force (AAE) in 2026, one year earlier than originally planned. 

Beyond France and Italy, several other European nations, including Denmark, Estonia, and Croatia, are evaluating the SAMP/T NG as a long-range air defense option, often in competition with the US-made Patriot PAC-3 MSE system. 

MBDA has significantly increased missile production in 2025, with output scaling up fivefold to meet growing demand, particularly as a result of SAMP/T systems being delivered to Ukraine. The post France confirms long-range strike capability of SAMP/T NG interceptor appeared first on AeroTime.

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