Thales and MBDA Deliver Cutting-Edge Air Defence to Denmark

The Danish Ministry of Defence has chosen the SAMP/T NG system to enhance national air defence and ensure full interoperability with European and NATO forces. A next-generation mobile ground-to-air solution, SAMP/T NG is designed to intercept and neutralize medium-range ballistic missiles, aircraft, and drones.

Developed through close collaboration between Thales and MBDA, the system integrates Thales’ Ground Fire air defence surveillance radar, which entered series production in early 2025. Offering revolutionary performance, the radar delivers a range of up to 400 km with 360-degree panoramic coverage and 90-degree elevation, providing Denmark with advanced detection and protection capabilities against evolving aerial threats.

Initially designed to handle the Aster family’s ammunition (A30 B1 and A30 B1NT), for which Thales provides the seeker, a key element in missile guidance, each Danish section of the SAMP/T NG will rely on Thales's Ground Fire radar, as well as on the Command and Control (Engagement Module New Generation), for which Thales is the design authority, and which is produced by Thales in cooperation with MBDA.

Based on fully digital active electronically scanned antennas (AESA) technology, the Ground Fire radar offers a high level of performance to detect, track and classify numerous targets, including in the most complex environments such as mountainous regions and high-traffic airspace. This radar offers a refresh rate of only 1 second and a surveillance capacity up to 400 km, with panoramic coverage at 360° and 90° elevation. It is capable of detecting drones, as well as ballistic missiles, taking advantage of the mobility of a tactical radar.

The open architecture of the SAMP/T NG system, designed by Thales, facilitates its integration and interoperability with other European systems, thus enhancing the air defence capabilities of the continent. The Ground Fire ensures strategic autonomy, with high operational readiness. Its design allows a high level of mobility, with reduced installation and dismantling times and compact dimensions equivalent to those of an ISO transport container.

The Ground Fire maximizes the performance of the new generation ASTER 30 and positions France among the leaders in air defence and medium-range antimissile defence. 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.

“Thales is honoured by the choice made by the Danish authorities. With Eurosam and MBDA, we sincerely thank our client for their trust. The Danish armed forces will benefit from a state-of-the-art system to guarantee the protection of their airspace and contribute to the defence of European countries and NATO.” said Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems, Thales.