France is expected to supply Ukraine with the new SAMP/T NG air defense system, an upgraded version of the Franco-Italian system designed to intercept advanced air threats, including ballistic missiles.
The information was provided by the President of Ukraine 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, which is widely used for anti-missile defense. Zelensky noted that Ukraine will be the first to receive the new model, which is still in the final stages of development.
According to the president, the system will be operated in real combat conditions, which will allow testing its effectiveness against ballistic attacks.
“The SAMP/T is the only alternative in Europe today. We will see this year if the new SAMP/T systems are able to shoot down ballistic missiles. This year we will get a system that will be tested against ballistic missiles. If it works, it will be a significant help in the long term,” Zelensky said, as quoted by RBC-Ukraine.
The new generation of the European air defense system
the-SAMP/T OF (Next Generation) constitutes a significant development of the air defense system jointly developed by France and Italy.
The new version includes improvements to the sensors, the radar and the control software, which expand the ability to detect and intercept both aircraft and high-speed missiles.
The system also uses upgraded versions of a missile Asterwhich is considered one of the most advanced medium-range air defense missiles in Europe.
Although the system is still in the final stages of development, the program has already progressed to the phase of putting it into operational service. At the end of February 2026, the Air Warfare Center of the French Armed Forces (CEAM-AWC) adopted the first SAMP/T NG system, an important step towards its integration with the European forces.
A combat test may determine the future of the system
If the performance of the SAMP/T NG system against ballistic targets is confirmed in real combat, it may become one of the pillars of air defense in Europe, and at the same time significantly strengthen Ukraine’s ability to deal with missile attacks.
Experts estimate that the use of the system in Ukraine may also be used as an operational experiment in war conditions, and provide important data for the development of future versions of the system.
Source and photos: RBC-Ukraine | MBDA. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
