France has ordered a multi-layer ASTER/MICA VL variant of its new SAMP/T NG air defense system, developed jointly with Italy. The goal is to combine short-, medium-, and long-range capabilities, including the ability to intercept ballistic missiles such as the Iskander-M, into a single integrated air and missile defense system, something that could prove relevant for Ukraine as well.
According to a communiqué from the French Ministry of Defense, the contract covers 8 SAMP/T NG batteries planned under the 2024–2030 military programming law. From 2030 onwards, these batteries will be delivered with integrated MICA VL missiles.
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The system's ME-NG fire control unit will select the appropriate interceptor from available options: short-range MICA VL and MICA VL NG, or medium- and long-range Aster B1 and Aster B1NT. This will require both hardware and software modifications to the SAMP/T NG and its GF300 radar.
The integration roadmap is evolutionary, with future compatibility planned for counter-drone systems and the Mistral 3 MANPADS. The long-term aim is to build a fully layered air defense system around this architecture.
Defense Express notes the parallel with how Germany's Iris-T SLM medium-range systems are supplied to Ukraine, where each battery currently includes a pair of short-range Iris-T SLS launchers, with the possibility of adding more. The principle is the same: strengthening the firepower of a single unit and creating synergy between assets operating at different engagement ranges. This also improves the ability to handle combined attacks involving drones, cruise missiles, and, where capability exists, ballistic missiles.
One of the headline improvements of SAMP/T NG over the current version is ballistic missile intercept capability, enabled in part by the new Aster B1NT interceptors and the GF300 radar.
Ukraine and France have signed an agreement covering plans to supply 8 SAMP/T NG batteries, meaning Ukrainian air defenders could eventually benefit from MICA VL integration as well.
The missile is already in service on two Ukrainian Navy Ada-class corvettes and in the air-launched variant from Mirage 2000-5 fighters.
As noted, however, deliveries of the combined ASTER/MICA VL variant are not scheduled to begin until 2030, four years away, which is a considerable wait. More immediately, no firm contract for SAMP/T NG has yet been signed for Ukraine, so further patience will be required.
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