On 30 April 2026, the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAr), acting on behalf of the Délégation Générale de l’Armement (DGA), signed a contract with EUROSAM, involving its parent companies, MBDA and Thales. The contract aims to develop the dual-layer version of the SAMP/T NG, integrating VL MICA missiles alongside ASTER missiles.

This new dual-layer system aims to enhance air defence capabilities in an operational context where the number and diversity of aerial threats is continuing to grow. It aligns with the roadmaps for the development of SAMP/T NG in France and the capabilities of low-layer air defence.

The objective is to integrate the VL MICA engagement chain into the SAMP/T NG command centre, thereby providing a more effective air defence system with optimised use of effectors and integrating short-range air defence.

This will enable the SAMP/T NG system to have short-range air defence capabilities with the VL MICA missile, complementing the medium-range and anti-ballistic capabilities of the ASTER 30 B1 and B1NT missiles. The VL MICA NG missile offers enhanced range and manoeuvrability, allowing it to address evolving threats.

By 2030, the eight SAMP/T NG sections planned by the Military Programming Law will be transformed and delivered to the French Air and Space Force in this dual-layer configuration.

This evolution requires software and hardware adaptations of the engagement module (ME-NG) of the SAMP/T NG system. The dual-layer SAMP/T NG is designed to be evolvable, with the goal of expanding its capabilities to a multi-layer system by integrating very short-range effectors (MISTRAL 3).

EUROSAM sub-contracts MBDA and Thales to develop the integration of the VL MICA engagement chain into the Engagement Module of the SAMP/T NG (ME-NG).

Surface-to-Air Defence (SAD) aims to secure both national airspace and overseas operations using a multi-layer approach. It relies on a network of sensors, information  and command systems, as well as effectors, notably the ASTER B1NT missile, the VL MICA, and the MISTRAL 3, with the DGA as the prime contractor. Currently, short-range SAD in France is provided by VL MICA sections, deploying fully MBDA systems: Command & Control (C2) module and launchers. These systems were first deployed during the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The VL MICA can already be used in a dual-layer configuration, coordinated by the higher-level CMD3D. The objective is to implement medium-range ASTER systems and short-range VL MICA systems in a dual-layer logic, both for domestic air security devices (DPSA) and during overseas operations.

The SAMP/T NG will become the first European sovereign dual-layer and then multi-layer system, enhancing the resilience of air defence against current and future threats, from drones to hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, fighter jets, and helicopters. The dual-layer SAMP/T NG system will allow for the optimal use of effectors, with a response tailored to the threat and the expected performance level.

Additionally, MBDA is also working on integrating the CAMM-ER missile into the Italian version of the dual-layer SAMP/T NG.

MBDA has a complete catalogue of air defence systems, enabling it to meet all client needs by proposing the most suitable solution.