Denmark signs contract for SAMP/T NG

Denmark has ordered the SAMP/T NG long-range air defence system. (Eurosam)

Denmark has signed a contract for the SAMP/T NG (Next Generation) long-range air defence system, a Thales spokesperson told Janes on 21 April. The company said in a press release the same day that deliveries are expected to start in 2028.

Thales noted that the system includes its Ground Fire 300 radar with a range of up to 400 km and panoramic coverage at 360° and 90° elevation, as well as the company's homing seeker for Aster family A30 B1 and A30 B1NT missiles.

Based on digital active electronically scanned antenna (AESA) technology, the Ground Fire detects, tracks, and classifies multiple targets in environments including sea, mountains, high-density traffic, and heavy jamming, according to Thales. It is designed to simultaneously detect and track threats ranging from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and combat aircraft to ballistic missiles, while retaining the mobility and survivability of a tactical radar, the company added.

Thales also integrates SAMP/T's fire control system and supplies its Next Generation Engagement Module (ME-NG) command, control, and fire control system, developed in partnership with MBDA. Thales said the open ME-NG architecture of SAMP/T NG facilitates integration and interoperability with other European systems. It added that the Ground Fire radar and ME-NG module provide strategic autonomy with a high level of operational readiness.

The company said France and Italy are providing operational feedback from SAMP/T NG and its Ground Fire radar from deployments, including in real combat conditions. Ground Fire series production began in early 2025 and the radar was recently demonstrated during a qualification firing of a French SAMP/T NG system, Thales said.