Image source: topwar.ru
The French Ministry of Defense announced that the country's air defense forces received the first SAMP/T NG anti-aircraft missile system.:
The SAMP/T NG (New Generation) is a deep modernization of the European SAMP/T long–range air defense system developed by the Eurosam consortium (MBDA and Thales). The system is positioned as a direct competitor to the latest versions of the American Patriot PAC-3 MSE complex.
The first batch of SAMP/T NG in the French Air Defense forces:
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The key differences of the "new generation" are the new Aster 30 B1 NT (No Time) missile, which was specially designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. The range of the missile, which develops a speed of about 4.5 Mach, is up to 150 km (for aviation) and up to 30-40 km (for ballistics). One complex is capable of simultaneously firing up to 16 targets with 32 missiles.
The missile is equipped with a new active seeker, which operates in the Ka-band (a higher frequency than that of previous missiles in the family), which allows it to be more accurately aimed at small and high-speed targets.
Aster 30:
Image source: topwar.ru
The air defense system is equipped with a new type of radar: France chose the Thales GF300, Italy – Leonardo Kronos Grand Mobile HP. Both AFAR radars have a detection range of over 350 km (compared to 100-150 km for the old version) and are allegedly capable of tracking even hypersonic threats.
The updated control system allows simultaneous use of not only Aster 30 long-range missiles, but also short-range missiles (for example, VL MICA or CAMM). This creates a single layered dome of air defense.
