As part of a new military assistance package, it has become known that France will transfer SAMP/T NG air-defense systems to Ukraine in order to strengthen its ability to defend against Russian ballistic missiles—systems that will be extensively tested by Ukrainian forces to determine whether they are a capability to integrate over the long term. The development follows a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, which took place in Paris on March 13.
According to Ukrainian local media, President Zelensky has already confirmed the agreement reached in France during a conversation with journalists, stating that the SAMP/T NG system is the only European alternative to U.S.-made Patriot systems. Along those lines, he said the issue was central in his talks with President Macron in the French capital, seeking a commitment for the delivery of this first system during this year, without specifying expected dates. He also noted that if it proves effective, SAMP/T NG systems would begin to be delivered to Ukraine as a priority export.
Quoting some of President Zelensky’s statements verbatim: “Yes, if together with the French we manage to shoot down ballistic missiles, this will be the first alternative of its kind. And, of course, Emmanuel and I agreed that Ukraine will be first on the list. Because as soon as they start shooting down ballistic missiles, a queue will immediately form. Therefore, my main task was to agree that we would test it together with them and that we would be first in line. For now, I don’t see any other alternatives.”
Beyond securing this major agreement for Ukraine’s air defense, Kyiv also used the Paris meeting to seek French diplomatic support in negotiations for new equipment with other Western partners. Before the meeting in Paris, Zelensky specifically described his French counterpart as an “experienced politician” capable of helping secure additional Patriot systems and missiles—especially from “certain states” that would require an extra push to make further deliveries to Ukraine.
About the SAMP/T NG system
With what appears to be a delivery to Ukraine in the near future, it is important to recall that the SAMP/T NG air-defense system is still in the final stage of development—hence President Zelensky’s carefully chosen wording that Ukraine would test its effectiveness in intercepting Russian missiles. In the hope that it will incorporate substantial improvements compared to the original SAMP/T, the French Armed Forces reportedly received the first unit for trials last February, under the Air Warfare Center (CEAM-AWC).
According to the reports available so far, the main change in the system lies in its radar, with the introduction of new AESA models known as Ground Fire, developed by the French company Thales. Specifically, these are said to provide a detection range of around 400 kilometers, with 360 degrees in azimuth and 90 degrees in elevation, operating in the S-band. It is claimed that this makes it a system capable of tracking multiple drones and missiles of various types, even when deployed in mountainous terrain that would normally hinder detection.
By contrast, the SAMP/T systems previously delivered by Italy relied on Leonardo’s Kronos Grand Mobile HP radar, operating in the C-band. These had a shorter range than the one mentioned above, estimated between 250 and 300 kilometers, while rotating at 60 revolutions per minute—allowing it to update the enemy target’s position every second.
Other key points from Zelensky’s visit to Paris
In addition to securing the arrival of the air-defense systems mentioned above, it should be noted that the meeting held in Paris between the Ukrainian and French presidents addressed a further set of topics related to Ukraine’s defense as well as its political future—especially through its potential accession to the European Union (EU).
Reviewing some of these points, the discussions reportedly included: joint weapons production between French and Ukrainian industry; reinforcing Ukraine’s aviation through the delivery of French platforms; Kyiv’s participation in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which would enable up to €150 billion in long-term loans for the urgent acquisition of military materiel; and the possible approval of a new EU aid package of up to €90 billion—this last item to be discussed at an upcoming European Council meeting.
Separately, the Ukrainian president also used the occasion to refer to the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, and in particular to how Ukraine could contribute to the efforts of the United States and its allies to ensure air defense over their own airspaces. Quoting some remarks from President Zelensky: “More than ten countries have already contacted us requesting support in defense against the Shaheds, the Iranian attack drones. These are, essentially, the same attack drones that the Iranian regime supplied to Russia and taught the Russians to use. Today, Ukraine has the world’s greatest experience in fighting the Shaheds, from developing interceptors to establishing a systemic defense against drones.”
Finally, it should be emphasized that the Ukrainian president also participated in a summit held by the so-called Coalition of the Willing in Paris last January, where he had direct contact with a number of countries in principle willing to carry out a future military deployment to guarantee Ukraine’s security against renewed Russian invasion attempts after the current war ends. After that meeting, the most notable development was the signing of a joint declaration titled “Reliable security guarantees for a solid and lasting peace in Ukraine,” which implied a strengthening of Western partners’ legal commitment to Kyiv.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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