France will provide Ukraine with the new SAMP/T NG air defense system, a modernized version of the Franco-Italian complex designed to intercept advanced air threats, including ballistic missiles.
The information was revealed by the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky during a conversation with journalists, according to a report by RBC-Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian leader, the European system is currently the only regional alternative to the American Patriot system, widely used for missile defense. Zelensky stated that Ukraine will be the first to receive the new model, which is still finishing its development phase.
According to the president, the system will be used in real combat conditions, which will allow its effectiveness against ballistic attacks to be tested.
“SAMP/T is the only alternative in Europe today. We will see this year if the new SAMP/T systems defeat ballistics. This year we will receive a system that we will test against ballistic missiles. If it works, it will be a good help in the long term,” declared Zelensky, quoted by RBC-Ukraine.
New generation of the European air defense system
He SAMP/T OF (Next Generation) represents a significant evolution of the air defense system jointly developed by France and Italy.
The new version incorporates improvements in sensors, radar and command software, expanding the ability to detect and intercept both aircraft and high-speed missiles.
The system also uses modernized versions of the missile Asterconsidered one of Europe’s most advanced interceptors for medium-range air defense.
Although still in the final phase of development, the program has already advanced towards the operational introduction stage. At the end of February 2026, the Air Warfare Center of the French Armed Forces (CEAM-AWC) adopted the first SAMP/T NG system, marking an important step for its integration into European forces.
The combat test could define the future of the system
If the performance of the SAMP/T NG against ballistic targets is confirmed in real combat, the system could become a pillar of European air defense, in addition to significantly strengthening Ukraine’s ability to confront missile attacks.
Experts believe that the use of the system in Ukraine could also serve as an operational test under war conditions, providing valuable data for future versions of the system.
Source and images: RBC-Ukraine | MBDA. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
