The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), acting on behalf of the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), awarded the Eurosam Economic Interest Group (GIE) a contract on April 30, 2026, to develop the ASTER/MICA VL multi-layer version of the SAMP/T NG. This contract involves, in addition to systems integrator Eurosam, its parent companies MBDA and Thales.
This development aims to provide the SAMP/T NG with a short-range ground-to-air capability using the MICA VL missile, complementing its long-range and ballistic missile defence capability provided by the ASTER missile.
The project is based on integrating the VL MICA system’s engagement chain into the SAMP/T NG command centre.
In an operational context where the number and diversity of air threats are constantly increasing, the SAMP/T NG will enable even more effective ground-based air defence through the optimised use of effectors.
Under this contract, the eight SAMP/T NG batteries planned in the 2024–2030 Military Programming Law will be delivered to the French Air and Space Force (AAE) in this multi-layer ASTER/MICA VL configuration starting in 2030. They will contribute to building a broader and fully integrated air defence architecture, essential for the AAE to maintain its ability to counter all types of threats in the coming decades.
Surface-to-Air Defence (DSA – Défense Sol-Air) aims to ensure the security of national airspace through a multi-layered approach, both within French territory and during out-of-area operations. It relies on the networking of sensors (notably the GF300 and GM200 radars), command-and-control information systems, and effectors (including ASTER Block 1, ASTER B1NT, MICA VL and MISTRAL 3). The French Defence Procurement Agency is responsible for the overall management of this “system of systems”.
To date, short-range air defence is provided by VL MICA sections operated by the French Air and Space Force, deployed for the first time during the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The VL MICA can already be deployed in a multi-layered mode via the higher-level CMD3D, which coordinates several weapon systems, each equipped with its own command centre (NC1 for MISTRAL 3, Tactical Operational Centre for VL MICA, and the SAMP/T Engagement Module (ME) for ASTER).
The ambition of this project, led by the French Defence Procurement Agency, is to integrate the medium- and long-range ASTER B1 and ASTER B1NT missiles with the short-range VL MICA and VL MICA NG missiles (in both infrared and electromagnetic versions) into a multi-layered system, whether for specific air security operations within France or for deployments in out-of-area theatres of operations. This new operational role requires physical and software upgrades to the SAMP/T NG fire control engagement module (ME-NG) and the GF300 radar.
The eight batteries upgraded to the multi-layer standard, to be delivered from 2030 onwards, will benefit from the full integration of ASTER and VL MICA missiles. The ME-NG will coordinate fire to counter the full spectrum of threats in the most appropriate manner, ensuring a proportionate response with the appropriate missile.
This system is designed to be scalable, with the ultimate goal of becoming a multi-layered architecture that also integrates very short-range (MISTRAL 3) and anti-drone systems. This continuous integration will enable the AAE to fulfil its expanded air defence mission in all circumstances, whether against proliferating or increasingly complex threats.
photo courtesy EUROSAM
