Ukraine to become first recipient of SAMP/T NG anti-ballistic systems – Zelenskyy
Ukraine will become the first country to receive the new Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG air defence systems designed to counter ballistic missiles.
Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)
Details: The deliveries were agreed during talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. In addition, Ukraine's defence forces will receive two SAMP/T air defence systems of the previous generation.
Quote: "Ukraine will be the first to receive the new enhanced Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG systems. These are highly effective anti-ballistic systems. France will also provide two SAMP/T batteries to strengthen our defences already this year."
Details: France and Italy will accelerate deliveries of Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, used by the SAMP/T system, by October this year.
Zelenskyy also confirmed that Ukraine will receive licences to produce SCALP (Storm Shadow) cruise missiles, AASM guided aerial bombs and, jointly with Italy, Aster 30 missiles. France will also cooperate with Ukraine under the European FREYJA anti-ballistic programme.
The president also pointed out that the two countries had agreed on the purchase of the first 16 Rafale fighter jets, together with their associated weapons package.
"Training for our pilots and maintenance crews in France is set to begin already this year. After that, the first four Rafale aircraft will be delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.
The first successful qualification tests of the French version of the SAMP/T NG air defence system were carried out in December 2025. The system is equipped with the Thales Ground Fire radar, which provides air surveillance and air defence capabilities with a one-second refresh rate, a stated detection range of up to 400 km, 360-degree coverage and a 90-degree elevation angle.
SAMP/T NG uses an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, enabling it to detect and classify targets in a wide range of environments and despite electronic jamming.
Background: In November 2025, French newspaper L'Opinion said France intended to supply Ukraine with the SAMP/T NG system.
Read about the kind of military aid Ukraine receives from its allies in Is the West still with us? How many and what kind of weapons will Ukraine receive in 2026
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