Ukraine will receive SAMP/T NG air defense missile systems and Michelangelo Dome automated control systems.
The SAMP/T NG launcher. Photo by Thales Group.
Foreign partners are not abandoning their support for Ukraine and are drawing up plans for future deliveries of weapons and military equipment. According to statements in recent months, new air defense systems may be shipped to Ukraine this year. Of particular interest among the planned deliveries are the latest models, such as the anti-aircraft system. rocket The SAMP/T NG system, or Michelangelo Dome command and control system, is a system that European armies and manufacturers plan to test in real combat conditions.
Anti-aircraft assistance
Back in 2023, France and Italy transferred several modern SAMP/T air defense systems to Ukraine. These systems were placed on combat alert and used to repel massive combined arms attacks by the Russian army. The Ukrainian command repeatedly reported the combat successes of the imported systems, although this information raised questions and doubts.
Against this backdrop, European companies, led by the Franco-Italian EuroSAM, were developing a modernized SAMP/T NG air defense system. This project aimed to improve the system's key performance characteristics and bring it into line with modern requirements.
In December 2025, the SAMP/T NG system conducted its first missile test launches at a French test site. The prototype air defense system confirmed its design characteristics and demonstrated the operability and compatibility of all components, both old and newly developed.
A test launch of the Aster 30 Block 1NT missile. Photo by Thales Group.
Following the initial tests, EuroSAM announced that work on the upgraded air defense system will take several more months. After that, the system will be ready for deployment. The developers estimate that the new system could be operational by the end of 2026.
French President Emmanuel Macron also commented on the success of the new joint project. He praised the SAMP/T NG system and made proposals for its future deployment. He stated that the first air defense systems of this type should be sent to Ukraine to help repel Russian attacks. However, at that point, all that was left was mere statements.
In mid-March 2026, Paris and Kyiv held further talks. Following these talks, the Ukrainian side expressed its readiness to receive and adopt the new European air defense systems. They plan to deploy them this year. The SAMP/T NG is planned to counter attack UAVs and ballistic missiles.
France is thus prepared to continue supplying Ukraine with modern anti-aircraft systems, including the latest modifications. Kyiv, in turn, is awaiting the start of deliveries and is making plans to deploy and operate such equipment.
Kronos GMHP radar. Photo by Leonardo SpA
Вопросы управления
Almost simultaneously with the latest statements about the possible transfer of the SAMP/T NG air defense system, information appeared about the upcoming delivery of other equipment for DefenseForeign media outlets reported that the Italian concern Leonardo plans to test the Michelangelo Dome automated defense control system in Ukraine.
Currently, the Michelangelo Dome is in the development and testing phase of individual components. However, in the coming months, the system will be ready for full-scale testing at a test site or in real combat zones.
According to recent reports, the Michelangelo Dome system or its individual components may be sent to Ukraine to enhance its existing air defense system. This control system will complement or replace existing systems and improve related processes. Essentially, the imported "Dome" will monitor and manage Ukraine's air defense system.
It's worth noting that the Michelangelo Dome automated control system is being developed primarily for European countries. Therefore, it is compatible with existing and future radars and air defense systems developed in Europe, including the SAMP/T baseline and upgraded versions.
The GF300 radar on a test bench. Photo by OCCAR
It is likely that the SAMP/T NG and Michelangelo Dome will be used together in Ukraine. The Italian automated control system will ensure the integration of the Franco-Italian air defense system with existing detection systems and other equipment. Great hopes can be placed on this system integration and on the entire air defense system as a whole.
Material part
As its name suggests, the SAMP/T NG (Sol-Air Moyenne-Portée/Terrestre, New Generation) is a "new generation" air defense missile system. It is being developed based on an existing air defense system by replacing some of its components. The goal of this modernization is to increase the launch and interception range, as well as improve other performance characteristics.
The SAMP/T NG retains the general architecture of its predecessor. The system's battery includes a radar, a command post, several mobile launchers, guided missiles, and a range of other assets for various purposes. The SAM system is mobile, but combat alert is only conducted from a fixed position.
Customers are offered two radar models: the French Thales GF300 and the Italian Kronos GMHP. They have similar characteristics and enable air surveillance within a range of up to 250-300 km. Up to 1000 targets can be tracked simultaneously. In automatic mode, the radar transmits target data to the command post and launchers. The air defense missile system can also operate using data from other detection systems.
Aster series anti-aircraft missiles. Far left: Aster 30 Block 1/1NT. Photo: Defense-industry.eu
The self-propelled launcher is built on a truck chassis with the required specifications. It features a boom with mounts for eight missile transport and launch containers. During deployment, the combat vehicle is raised on jacks and lifts the launcher into a vertical position.
As part of the SAMP/T NG project, a new modification of the existing anti-aircraft missile, designated Aster 30 Block 1/1NT, was developed. It is a two-stage solid-fuel missile with an inertial guidance system and an active radar homing head. Its launch range has been increased to 150 km. Weighing 450 kg, it carries a 15 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
Michelangelo Dome, in turn, is a set of electronic assets that serve as the basis for a command and control system of the required scale. This automated control system includes various command and control posts and communications nodes, as well as data processing systems. When deployed, it establishes communications with various air defense components: radars, anti-aircraft systems, command posts, etc.
The Michelangelo Dome system is designed to collect and process air situation information from all available sources. The system will automatically calculate air target paths, determine their threat level, and prioritize engagement. The automated control system will also provide target designation to air defense weapons and effectively control their operations.
Components and architecture of the Michelangelo Dome automated control system. Graphics by Leonardo SpA
The developer promises that the Michelangelo Dome automated control system will be able to operate with the full range of radar and anti-aircraft systems that comply with NATO standards. It will be capable of engaging both full-size aerial targets at long ranges and small UAVs at close range. However, for obvious reasons, the primary focus is on countering unmanned aerial vehicles. aviation.
Hopes and Trials
In the current situation, the Ukrainian leadership is soliciting any weapons its foreign partners can provide. In recent years, it has shown increased interest in air defense systems. France and Italy are ready to provide it with modern SAMP/T NG air defense systems and the Michelangelo Dome automated control system. These systems are expected to partially restore the air defense system's functionality and improve its capabilities against Russian missiles and UAVs.
The exact number of the desired systems that will be delivered to Ukraine is unknown. It is unlikely to be large, and this would seriously limit the combat capabilities of such an air defense system. It would be unable to repel massive strikes and would not live up to the expectations of the Kyiv leadership. Furthermore, it is likely that the imported air defense systems would be destroyed during future Russian strikes.
However, even in this environment, the Michelangelo Dome and SAMP/T NG systems will be able to demonstrate their core capabilities in real combat conditions. At the same time, the developers will be able to gather valuable information for the further development of their systems. Essentially, these are combat trials, and for this purpose, foreign partners are prepared to provide their latest equipment. In this situation, Ukrainian air defense issues become secondary.
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