The Italian MoD announced the deliveries of the SAMP/T NG long-range air defence system and GRIFO medium-range air defence system as an upgrade from SAMP/T.
In place of the legacy architecture covering medium and long-range with SAMP/T, the Italian Army is transitioning to the SAMP/T NG and GRIFO duo, introducing more capable missiles for their intended roles, as well as radars.
SAMP/T NG is the new iteration of the SAMP/T, mainly introducing improved range and better ballistic missile defence capabilities with the Aster 30 Block 1 NT missile and new radars.
The Aster 30 Block 1 NT missile used by the system is a significant upgrade from Aster 30 Block 1, with the swapping of the original Ku-band RF seeker with a Ka-band one for better range and accuracy. The two-stage missile with a range of 150 km uses thruster controls in tandem with aerodynamic controls to boost agility, especially at high altitudes with thinner air.
While SAMP/T NG is a joint programme between Italy and France with a common missile some of the other equipment, like the searching radar, are not common. In Italy’s case, Kronos Grand Mobile AESA radar is to be used, while France is to use the Ground Fire 300 AESA radar.
Kronos Grand Mobile is a C-band searching radar developed for Italy’s SAMP/T NG using GaN TRMs for use against air-breathing targets and ballistic missiles. The radar can be used in defence, air surveillance, and ballistic missile defence modes, each optimising the radar’s coverage, turning rate and range based on the requirements. In addition to these modes, a C-RAM mode is available with location finding capability.
The medium-range GRIFO is Italy’s land-based adaptation of the CAMM-ER medium-range air defence missile developed by MBDA as a joint development by Italy and the UK. The missile with an active radar seeker has a maximum range of 45 km.
Compared to the legacy two-stage Aster 15 missile fired from SAMP/T launchers, CAMM-ER provides a similar range but with a smaller and much simpler frame. The lighter frame, coupled with the cold launch system, allows for quicker reloading.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
