Denmark Chooses SAMP/T NG For Air Defence

The SAMP/T NG mobile ground-to-air defence system is produced by Eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales.
The SAMP/T NG mobile ground-to-air defence system is produced by Eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales. Image: Thales

Denmark has opted to buy the European-produced SAMP/T NG surface-to-air missile defence system instead of the American Patriot PAC-3.

As per a recent press statement by Forsvarsministeriet, the Danish Ministry of Defence, the Danish Government is set to buy eight additional ground-based air defence systems, featuring a mix of long and medium-range capabilities.

The total budgeted expenditure on Denmark’s air defence systems is projected to be roughly 58 billion kroner (about £6.75 billion). The statement noted: “This is the largest single investment in the reconstruction of the Danish defence to date.”

The Franco-Italian-produced SAMP/T system has been selected for the long-range system; a decision has yet to be made on the medium-range systems, with the Danish authorities still assessing the relative merits of the Norwegian-produced NASAMS, the German IRIS-T, and the French VL MICA programmes.

The Danish Government said the mid-range systems had been selected based on “an overall assessment of operational, economic, and strategic factors.” 

The SAMP/T NG system is a mobile ground-to-air system designed to intercept and destroy medium-range ballistic missiles, aircraft and drones. It pairs MBDA’s Aster 30 missile with Thales radar technology.

Also recently ordered by Poland, the SAMP/T NG system has a maximum interception range of up to about 75 miles for aircraft and drones and around 15.5 miles for ballistic missiles. 

The SAMP/T NG programme is overseen by the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAR). Eurosam, a joint venture between Thales and MBDA, is the lead contractor for the entire system.

Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen commented: “The current security policy situation means that ground-based air defence is an absolute top priority in the development of the Danish Armed Forces.

“Experience from Ukraine shows that ground-based air defence plays a crucial role in protecting, among other things, the civilian population against Russian attacks from the air.”

Each of the eight systems set to be procured will comprise four units able to independently launch a guided missile or missiles against identified air targets. Each unit will typically consist of a radar, a control facility, one or more launch platforms and a number of projectiles.

The first ground-based air defence system is expected to be operational by the end of this year, with further systems acquired in piecemeal fashion.

Executive Vice President of Thales, Land and Air Systems Hervé Dammann commented: “I would like to warmly thank the Danish authorities. This decision confirms the operational excellence of the SAMP/T NG, designed to neutralise all types of emerging and future threats such as ballistic and high speed tactical missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and highly manoeuvring aircraft.”

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