The Italian Army has received its first new-generation SAMP/T NG and GRIFO air defense systems, marking the initial deployment of Italy’s modernized layered air and missile defense architecture, the defense outlet Militarnyi reported on Friday.
The handover includes the first SAMP/T NG (New Generation) medium- and long-range air defense systems as well as GRIFO short-range air defense systems, both delivered to Italian Army air defense units as part of a broader modernization program launched in 2021.
SAMP/T NG is produced by the EUROSAM joint venture, which includes MBDA Italy, MBDA France, and Thales. The system was developed to replace earlier SAMP/T variants and introduces improved interception and detection capabilities designed to counter advanced aerial threats, including ballistic missiles.
According to Militarnyi, the new SAMP/T NG uses the Aster B1NT interceptor missile, which has a reported engagement range exceeding 150 kilometers. The system is also equipped with the Kronos Grand Mobile High Power radar manufactured by Leonardo, which is designed to detect targets at distances greater than 350 kilometers. The radar provides 360-degree coverage and supports simultaneous tracking of multiple threats.
The SAMP/T NG is classified as a medium- to long-range air defense system with ballistic missile defense capability, allowing it to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and certain classes of ballistic targets. Italian officials have described the system as a core element of national air defense and NATO-integrated missile defense.
Alongside SAMP/T NG, the Italian Army also received the GRIFO system, a short-range air defense platform belonging to the SHORAD class. GRIFO is part of the MBDA air defense family and uses the CAMM ER interceptor missile, which is designed for rapid reaction against low-altitude and maneuvering targets.
In this configuration, GRIFO employs the PCMI command and control module developed and manufactured by Leonardo. The system uses the X-TAR 3D radar produced by Rheinmetall Italia, which provides detection and tracking of air threats at short and medium distances. According to the report, GRIFO is capable of engaging aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and anti-radiation missiles.
The Italian Army plans to field a total of six SAMP/T NG batteries and nine GRIFO systems under the current procurement program. The deployment is intended to create a layered air defense network, combining long-range interception with point and area defense against low-flying threats.
The delivery comes as European countries accelerate air defense procurement in response to missile and drone threats observed in recent conflicts. Italy’s modernization program aligns with NATO efforts to strengthen integrated air and missile defense across the alliance’s southern and eastern flanks.
The SAMP/T NG program also has implications beyond Italy. France is expected to deliver the first SAMP/T New Generation system to Ukraine later this year. In addition, Ukraine is scheduled to receive eight SAMP/T NG systems under a bilateral agreement signed with France in November 2025, according to previously released information.
The Italian deployment is the first operational fielding of SAMP/T NG within a NATO ground force, providing early operational data on the system’s performance and integration. Defense officials have said the new systems will be progressively integrated into NATO’s air defense command network.
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