SAMP/T Defense System

SAMP/T is a theater-level air defense system designed for point defense against current and future airborne threats. One of only a handful of European-produced systems that can counter ballistic missiles, SAMP/T is developed by Eurosam and jointly owned by MBDA Missile Systems and Thales. The system is fielded by Italy and France to protect against UAVs, cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles ranging up to 600 km, and fighter aircraft.

System components include a command and control vehicle, Arabal radar, and up to six transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicles, each equipped with eight Aster interceptors and a supply of reload missiles. Mounted on either a Renault 8 x 4 Kerax (France) transporter erector launcher (TEL)  or an Astra (Italy) 8 x 8 TEL, the road-mobile system is capable of providing air defense for units at maneuver pace and can be airlifted by the latest NATO tactical transport aircraft for rapid long-distance deployment.

SAMP/T uses Aster 15 and Aster 30 interceptors, with maximum ranges of over 30 and 120 km respectively. Aster interceptors use solid propellant and have two stages. To track and intercept aerial targets, Aster interceptors use inertial guidance and tracking information provided by Arabel radar and employ an electromagnetic active seeker in the homing phase. Aster 30 interceptors are capable of reaching an altitude of 20 km and a velocity of Mach 4.5. Once identified and tracked, Aster interceptors employ proximity fuses and blast fragmentation warheads to incapacitate aerial targets.SAMP/T has 360-degree detection and engagement coverage capability provided by the rotating multi-functional Arabel radar antenna. It is also capable of tracking 100 aerial targets and engaging 10 simultaneously. The system is designed to counter advanced aerial targets and has a high resistance to counter-measures. More details