Ukraine Orders Four SAMP/T NG Air Defense Systems, Becoming First Combat Operator

Ukraine has ordered four next-generation Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG air defense systems under a new defense agreement with France, while Paris will temporarily provide two existing SAMP/T batteries until the new systems are delivered.

According to a joint declaration published by the Office of the President of Ukraine on July 14, the agreement will make Ukraine the first country to deploy the SAMP/T NG air defense system in combat. The procurement will be financed through the European Union’s Ukraine Support Loan (USL) program for 2026 and 2027.

According to the joint declaration signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, France will transfer two current-generation SAMP/T systems during the production period. Those batteries will be returned to France after Ukraine receives the newly purchased SAMP/T NG systems.

France also committed to accelerating deliveries of the new air defense systems by deploying individual modules as soon as they complete certification, with deliveries beginning in 2027.

As part of the broader package, Ukraine will receive five Thales GM400 long-range air surveillance radars, one Ground Fire 300 (GF300) radar, and one Kronos radar. The first GF300 radar is scheduled to be deployed in Ukraine by the end of 2026 as the initial component of the future SAMP/T NG network, while all five GM400 radars are expected to arrive by the end of 2027.

The SAMP/T NG system is designed to use the latest Aster 30 interceptors, including the Aster 30 Block 1 New Technology (B1 NT), capable of engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missile threats. France and Italy also agreed to accelerate deliveries of previously contracted Aster 30 missiles by October 2026.

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The declaration further states that France and Italy have authorized licensed production of Aster 30 missiles in Ukraine, with manufacturing expected to begin as soon as possible before the end of 2026.

The air defense agreement forms part of a wider bilateral roadmap covering Ukraine’s future combat aviation and missile defense capabilities.

According to the same declaration, Ukraine has also placed an initial order for 16 Dassault Rafale fighter jets from a planned fleet of 100 aircraft announced in November 2025. Training for Ukrainian pilots and maintenance personnel could begin in France in 2026, with the first four aircraft to be delivered after training is completed.

The roadmap also authorizes licensed production in Ukraine of French AASM guided bombs and SCALP cruise missiles by the end of 2026.

In addition, France pledged support for the development of Ukraine’s domestic ballistic missile interceptor programs, specifically the FREYJA project, through industrial cooperation with French defense companies and technical assistance from France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA).

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