The Italian Army received its first SAMP/T NG anti-aircraft missile system.
Italy plans to deploy six SAMP/T NG batteries and nine GRIFO systems to create a multi-layered air and missile defense system.
As the military-technical resource Militarnyi reported on January 23, the Italian army received its first anti-aircraft missile The new generation SAMP/T NG and GRIFO systems marked the beginning of the deployment of Italy's modernised multi-layered air and missile defence system.
The transfer includes the first SAMP/T NG (new generation) medium and long-range air defense missile systems, as well as GRIFO short-range air defense missile systems, delivered to units Defense Italian Army as part of a wider modernization program that began in 2021.
The SAMP/T NG system is produced by EUROSAM, a joint venture between MBDA (Italy), MBDA (France), and Thales. The system was developed to replace earlier SAMP/T variants and provides improved intercept and detection capabilities designed to counter modern air threats, including ballistic missiles.
According to the publication Militarnyi, the new SAMP/T NG system uses the Aster B1HT interceptor missile, which reportedly has a range of over 150 kilometers. The system is also equipped with a high-power mobile radar, the Kronos Grand, manufactured by Leonardo, designed to detect targets at a range of over 350 kilometers. The radar provides 360-degree coverage and supports the simultaneous tracking of multiple threats.
The SAMP/T NG system is classified as a medium- and long-range air defense system with missile defense capabilities, capable of engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, and certain classes of ballistic targets. Italian officials have described the system as a key element of the national air defense and the NATO-integrated missile defense system.
Along with the SAMP/T NG, the Italian Army also received the GRIFO system, a SHORAD-class short-range air defense missile system. GRIFO is part of the MBDA family of air defense missiles and utilizes the CAMM ER interceptor, designed for rapid response to low-altitude and maneuvering targets.
In this configuration, GRIFO utilizes the PCMI command and control module developed and manufactured by Leonardo. The system utilizes the X-TAR 3D radar from Rheinmetall Italia, which provides short- and medium-range detection and tracking of airborne threats. According to the report, GRIFO is capable of engaging aircraft. Drones, cruise missiles and anti-radar missiles.
The SAMP/T SAM system consists of four to six launchers, each housing eight Aster 30 vertically launched SAM transport and launch containers, one multi-function radar, and one battery command and control module. Each battery of four launchers requires a crew of 14. All components are designed for mounting on 8x8 trucks, making the system fully air-transportable by C-130 or similar aircraft.
The SAMP/T is capable of tracking 100 airborne targets and engaging 10 of them simultaneously. Using Aster 30 missiles, the SAMP/T can intercept tactical ballistic missiles and hypersonic cruise missiles. It can engage aerodynamic targets: Aviation and cruise missiles at ranges up to 100 km (62 mi) and intercept tactical ballistic missiles launched from distances greater than 600 km, provided long-range targeting data is available from an external system.
The SAMP/T NG was designed with enhanced target engagement capabilities, providing 360° coverage and full anti-aircraft coverage. It can be equipped with the French Thales GF 300 radar or the Italian Kronos GMHP radar. The SAMP/T NG can engage aerodynamic targets at ranges of up to 150 km (93 mi) and altitudes of up to 25 km (82,000 ft), and can track up to 1000 targets. The typical SAM system crew is 20 personnel per battery, although after installation, only three operators are required to operate the new system.
As part of the current procurement program, the Italian Army plans to deploy a total of six SAMP/T NG batteries and nine GRIFO systems. The goal of this deployment is to create a layered air defense network combining long-range interception with point and area defense against low-flying threats.
The delivery comes amidst an acceleration in the procurement of air defense systems by European countries in response to hypothetical missile and drone threats. weapons, observed in modern conflicts. Italy's air defense modernization program is in line with NATO's efforts to strengthen integrated air and missile defense on the alliance's southern and eastern flanks.
The SAMP/T NG program is significant not only for Italy. France is expected to deliver the first next-generation SAMP/T system to Ukraine later this year. Furthermore, according to previously published information, Ukraine is expected to receive eight SAMP/T NG systems (batteries) under a bilateral agreement signed with France in November 2025.
The deployment of the SAMP/T NG system in Italy marked the first operational use by NATO ground forces, providing preliminary data on the system's effectiveness and integration. Defense Ministry officials stated that the new systems will be gradually integrated into the NATO air defense command and control network.
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