Success of SAMP/T NG Denmark Selects SAMP/T NG to Strengthen Air Defence

Denmark’s Ministry of Defence has chosen the mobile SAMP/T NG system to boost air defence and ensure NATO interoperability. The system can intercept medium-range missiles, aircraft, and drones. Thales and MBDA provide the advanced Ground Fire radar, in production since early 2025, offering a 400 km range and full 360° coverage.

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.

hales 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

Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems, Thales.

Ground Fire ensures strategic autonomy

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.

Background: Thales is a global leader in advanced technologies across Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its innovative products and services tackle key challenges, including sovereignty, security, sustainability, and inclusion.

The Group invests over €4 billion annually in research and development, focusing on critical areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and cloud solutions. With more than 83,000 employees across 68 countries, Thales reported sales of €20.6 billion in 2024.