France, Italy secure advanced air defence systems to boost military capabilities

France and Italy have recently made significant strides in enhancing their air defense capabilities with separate orders for the SAMP/T NG (Next Generation) systems.

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated in a translated social media post that France is set to receive its first of eight SAMP/T NG systems in 2026, in line with commitments made in the Military Programming Law—a long-term defense spending initiative, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

He also mentioned that France will acquire a total of 12 upgraded systems by 2035.   Lecornu made these remarks during a two-day European air and missile defense conference in Rome, where Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced that Italy has ordered 10 SAMP/T NG systems. However, neither minister revealed the costs associated with these acquisitions. French manufacturer Thales, which produces the air defense systems through the Eurosam joint venture with European missile firm MBDA—partly owned by Italy’s Leonardo—applauded the French order as “a significant step toward renewing European Medium-Range Air Defence ground capabilities.”  

Despite this boost for domestic industry, France remains firmly against the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), which focuses on developing a unified ground-based air defense capability. Berlin has proposed integrating German-made IRIS-T short-range air defense systems and the US-made Patriot PAC-3 medium-range system into ESSI. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has openly criticized non-European solutions, describing them as “less manageable, subject to timetables, queues, and priorities … and too dependent on external sources.”

Paris continues to support the SAMP/T system for Europe-wide defense needs while simultaneously opting out of the ESSI, a stance echoed by Italy.   Additionally, Thales announced that during the air and missile defense conference, Lecornu “officialized a contract” with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) to initiate production of seven more SAMP/T NG sections for the French Air and Space Forces.

By Naila Huseynova