Ukraine has ordered four next-generation SAMP/T NG air defense systems developed jointly by France and Italy as part of a new defense agreement with France. Before the delivery of the new systems begins, Paris will temporarily provide Ukraine with two existing SAMP/T batteries.
According to a joint declaration published by the Office of the President of Ukraine, this agreement will make Ukraine the first country to operate the SAMP/T NG air defense system in combat conditions. The purchase will be financed through tranches of the Ukraine Support Loan (USL) planned for 2026 and 2027.
According to the joint declaration signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, France will provide Ukraine with two current-generation SAMP/T systems during the production period of the new complexes. Once Ukraine receives the purchased SAMP/T NG systems, these batteries will be returned to France.
France has also committed to accelerating the delivery of the new air defense systems by transferring individual modules immediately after they complete certification. The deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027.
As part of the broader package, Ukraine will receive five Thales GM400 long-range air surveillance radars, one Ground Fire 300 (GF300) radar, and one Kronos radar. The first GF300 radar is planned to be deployed in Ukraine by the end of 2026 as an initial component of the future SAMP/T NG network, while all five GM400 radars are expected to be delivered by the end of 2027.
The SAMP/T NG system is designed to use the latest-generation Aster 30 interceptor missiles, including the Aster 30 Block 1 New Technology (B1 NT), which are capable of engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missile threats.
France and Italy have also agreed to accelerate deliveries of previously contracted Aster 30 missiles, with supplies expected to be completed by October 2026. The agreement further states that France and Italy have authorized licensed production of Aster 30 missiles in Ukraine, with manufacturing planned to begin by the end of 2026.
The air defense agreement is part of a broader bilateral roadmap focused on Ukraine’s future capabilities in combat aviation and missile defense. Under the same agreement, Ukraine placed an initial order for 16 Dassault Rafale fighter jets from a planned fleet of 100 aircraft announced in November 2025.
Training for Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel could begin in France as early as 2026, with the first four aircraft expected to be delivered after the completion of training.
The roadmap also allows Ukraine to launch licensed production of French AASM guided air bombs and SCALP cruise missiles by the end of this year.
In addition, France has pledged to support the development of Ukrainian programs aimed at creating indigenous ballistic missile interceptors, including the FREYJA project. This support will include industrial cooperation with French defense companies and technical assistance from France’s Directorate General for Armament (DGA).
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Source: united24media
