MBDA SAMP/T - Versatile, Mobile, Lethal

Surbaissemaxxing · May 30, 2025, 11:58pm

Would you like to see this in-game?

Yes
Yes, but also to France
No (Explain why)

0 voters

Suggestion No.80

G’day lads. Due to the recent introduction of the IRIS-T SLM and other systems that need an independent radar vehicle, I decided it would be a good time to suggest a similar vehicle. This vehicle is the SAMP/T system, which also utilizes the French-Italian made ASTER 30 missile :)

Description:

Spoiler

The SAMP/T (“Sol-Air Moyenne-Portée/Terrestre”, translated Surface-to-Air Medium-Range/Land-based) is a mobile air defense system designed to protect against aircraft, cruise missiles, anti-radiation missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. It replaces older medium-range air defense systems and is deployed by the French and Italian armed forces. The system consists of a fire control unit featuring the Arabel multi-function radar, an engagement module, and up to six vertical launchers, each holding eight ASTER 30 missiles. It provides 360-degree coverage, engaging up to 10 targets simultaneously with rapid response times. The system is highly automated, requiring only two operators, and can launch eight missiles in 10 seconds per launcher. The Italian variant is mounted on an Iveco M1250.70T WM chassis, compared to the French one using a Renault truck. The ASTER 30 missile features a two-stage design, separating their solid-propellant booster after launch. They utilize advanced aerodynamic and thruster-based control for exceptional agility, incorporating an electromagnetic active seeker for precise interception. The missile weighs 450kg, is 4.9 meters long, and travels at speeds up to Mach 4.5, reaching distances beyond 100km (specifically 120km) and altitudes up to 20km.

History:

Spoiler

The ASTER missile program began in the 1980s as a Franco-Italian initiative to develop a modern air defense system. At the time, both nations relied on older systems like the Crotale (France) and Aspide (Italy), which had limited range and effectiveness against evolving threats. The goal was to create a medium-to-long-range interceptor capable of countering high-speed aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats.

In 1987, France and Italy formally agreed to collaborate on a new missile system under the Family of Anti-Air Missile Systems (FAMS) program. The first successful test of the PIF-PAF guidance system, which gives ASTER its unique maneuverability, took place in 1987. By 1988, the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the missile for both land-based and naval applications.

The ASTER 15 and ASTER 30 variants were finalized in the 1990s, with the ASTER 30 designed for longer-range engagements. The missile entered service in 2001, integrated into the PAAMS naval air defense system for French and Italian warships. The land-based SAMP/T system followed, providing mobile air defense for ground forces.

Italy officially adopted the SAMP/T system in the early 2000s, deploying it on IVECO ACTL chassis for mobility. The ASTER 30 Block 1 was introduced to counter ballistic missile threats, followed by the Block 1 NT with an improved seeker and extended range. The latest variant, the SAMP/T NG, tested in 2024, is planned to be delivered in 2025.

Armaments:

Spoiler

8x ASTER 30 SAM

^ Newer brochure

^ Older brochure

Despite rumors, the ASTER 15 was never fitted on a SAMP/T, only on naval platforms. While it could be added towards it to add it more “quickly” to the game (as it doesn’t have the massive range compared to the 30), however it would be inaccurate

In order to use its weapons, France uses a seperate truck which carries a Thompson-CSF ARABEL radar. The Arabel radar is a 3D multifunction X-band radar designed for target acquisition, tracking, and missile guidance. It operates at X-band frequency with a peak power of 150kW and an instrumented range of 100km, detecting aircraft within 70km and missiles within 20km. The radar utilizes a phased-array antenna with 4000 elements, featuring a 2-degree beamwidth and elevation coverage from -10 to +75 degrees. It rotates at 60rpm and can track up to 100 targets simultaneously, while managing guidance channels for up to 16 missiles at once.

Meanwhile, the Italian one uses a Kronos GM HP radar

Specifications:

Spoiler

The chassis of the Italian SAMP/T is what I assume to be a M1250.70T WM. There isn’t much info about it’s dimensions, weight and engine, but here it is. It has a wheelbase of 1955/3645/1450mm, a Kerb weight approximately 19.6 tons with a standard cab and 22.0 tons with an armored cab, the gross vehicle weight being 50 tons and the gross combined weight being 125 tons. The reason due to this weight is due to it’s armor, as some sources mention it. At last it has an engine output of 680hp.