In a significant development amid rising regional security concerns in the Middle East, Italy’s Defence Minister has disclosed that several Gulf countries have formally requested advanced air defence and anti-drone systems, specifically highlighting the SAMP/T (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain) system.
This revelation underscores the growing demand for cutting-edge European-made defence solutions in the Gulf region, where threats from drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic projectiles have intensified due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
What is the SAMP/T System?
The SAMP/T, developed jointly by the European consortium EUROSAM (involving MBDA Italy, MBDA France, and Thales), is a highly capable medium-to-long-range surface-to-air missile system. It is designed to counter a wide array of aerial threats, including:
- Aircraft and helicopters
- Cruise missiles
- Ballistic missiles (short- and medium-range)
- Drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS)
- Hypersonic threats (in its upgraded variants)
The system uses the Aster family of missiles (such as Aster 30) and features advanced radar integration for 360-degree coverage, rapid response times, and high interception accuracy. Italy and France have been modernizing their own inventories with the next-generation SAMP/T NG (New Generation), which enhances range, ballistic missile defence capabilities, and anti-drone performance through improved radars and interceptors.
Recent milestones include successful test firings in late 2025 and initial deliveries of SAMP/T NG to the Italian Army in early 2026, positioning it as a key component of layered air defence architectures.