Ukraine could soon receive additional capabilities to intercept ballistic missile threats if France supplies new SAMP/T NG air defense systems capable of engaging such targets. The potential delivery would strengthen the country's layered air defense network and provide an important alternative to existing Western systems.
On March 16, Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, said during a national broadcast that the prospective system is expected to be capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. According to him, such capability is especially important given the range of ballistic threats currently used by russia.
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Among the missiles that could potentially be intercepted are russian Iskander-M ballistic missile, North Korean-designed KN-23 short-range ballistic missile, and Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missile. All of these weapons follow ballistic or quasi-ballistic trajectories that make them particularly challenging for air defense systems to intercept.
Yurii Ihnat noted that France's willingness to provide such capabilities is welcomed in Kyiv, especially as Ukraine continues to face limitations in the supply of interceptor missiles for existing Western air defense systems. Expanding the range of available platforms could reduce dependence on any single system.
One of the key alternatives mentioned is the SAMP/T air defense system, a Franco-Italian long-range surface-to-air missile system already in service with Ukrainian air defense units. The system is designed to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and potentially ballistic missile threats depending on the interceptor used.
According to Yurii Ihnat, Ukrainian air defense crews have already demonstrated their ability to effectively operate SAMP/T system. He noted that Ukrainian operators successfully mastered the system after its delivery and have used it in combat conditions.
The official also emphasized that strengthening Ukraine's missile defense architecture is crucial as russian forces continue to employ a wide range of high-speed strike weapons. Systems capable of intercepting ballistic targets would significantly enhance the country's ability to protect critical infrastructure and cities.
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