The Wire · live GRID-REF 37°47′N 122°25′W
DISPATCH 03/26 · 8 Sep 2026
BattlePolicy
Startup to front line. Strategy to consequence.
Lexicon · Europe

SAMP/T

The Franco-Italian SAMP/T (Mamba) is Europe’s only long-range surface-to-air missile system with proven anti-ballistic-missile capability, fielding the Aster 30 interceptor and offering a road-mobile, 360° defense against aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles.

SAMP/T
FIG.01 · Europe Image - SAMP/T. Photo by Copyright © 2007 David Monniaux, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Europe's premier long-range air-and-missile defense system — the road-mobile SAMP/T weds the Aster 30 interceptor with a 360° engagement capability, providing a European alternative to the US Patriot.

Overview

The SAMP/T (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée/Terrestre), known as “Mamba” in French Army service, is a road-mobile, 360° surface-to-air missile system jointly developed by France and Italy under the Eurosam consortium (MBDA and Thales). It combines the two-stage Aster 30 interceptor with the Arabel multi-function radar to engage aerodynamic threats and tactical ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 120 km. Fielded since around 2011, the system is operated by France, Italy, Singapore, and—since 2023—Ukraine in combat, making it the only European-built long-range SAM with a proven anti-ballistic-missile record.

🔒 The full SAMP/T file is for BattlePolicy Pro members. Below the line: development history, design and capabilities, variants, the combat record, advantages and limitations, comparable systems, outlook, the full specifications table, our sourcing, and the analyst assessment — procurement, suppliers and the BattlePolicy verdict. Unlock the full file with BattlePolicy Pro →

Below this point

  • Development
  • Design & capabilities
  • Variants
  • Combat record / operational use
  • Advantages
  • Drawbacks / limitations
  • Counterparts
  • Outlook
  • Key specifications
  • Sources
  • Analyst Section
  • Procurement & contracts
  • Suppliers & related companies
  • Comparable systems — analyst view
  • Analyst note
Related
Ukraine · Europe · PolicyPro

Ukrainian Drone Designs Move Into European Factories

Facing a $27 billion defence funding shortfall, Ukraine has stopped asking Europe only for weapons and started asking for production lines. The deals moving Ukrainian designs into European plants are inverting who supplies whom.