The Danish Ministry of Defence has placed its trust in the combat-proven ASTER missile to form the backbone of its long-range air and missile defence by selecting the SAMP/T NG system as its state-of-the-art solution.

This decision strengthens SAMP/T and ASTER interoperability among European NATO member states. Eurosam, MBDA and Thales continue to lead the way in delivering advanced air defence systems in response to the increasingly complex threats faced by European defence.

Following the selection of the MISTRAL 3 system in 2024 through EDIRPA (European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act), and the VL MICA earlier this year, the Danish authorities have once again confirmed their confidence in MBDA’s multi-layered solutions designed to reinforce European air defence.

Developed through cooperation between Italy and France, the SAMP/T NG system employs the ASTER family of missiles (ASTER 30 B1 and ASTER B1NT), which constitute the cornerstone of Europe’s land- and sea-based missile defence.

Soon to enter service with France and Italy, the SAMP/T NG offers a multi-layered capability through integration and coordination with short – and very-short range air defence (SHORAD and V-SHORAD) assets, enabling full integration into national and NATO air defence networks. 

During a symposium held on 19 May 2025 by European Armament Directorates — within the framework of the European Commission’s ReArm Europe Plan — France proposed three key projects, including SAMP/T NG, alongside VL MICA and MISTRAL 3.

Thanks to its rapid deployment with a limited number of personnel, SAMP/T NG provides 360° protection to densely populated civilian areas, armed forces, and sensitive military sites. It can counter multiple types of threats simultaneously, including emerging and future ones. 

These include manoeuvring ballistic missiles, re-entry vehicle ballistic missiles, high-speed tactical missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and highly manoeuvrable aircraft in saturating attack scenarios — even in challenging electronic warfare (EW) and contested environments.

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As a pillar of sovereign air defence, ASTER represents the essential European missile family protecting European skies and enhancing NATO’s defence capabilities — as demonstrated by its operational use in the Red Sea and Ukraine.

The latest ASTER B1NT missile provides an extended air defence envelope and enhanced interception capability to counter evolving, complex threats. In summer 2025, the DGA — France’s defence procurement and technology agency —  successfully conducted the missile’s second test firing, confirming the correct operation of its systems at very long range and high altitude (beyond 25 km).

MBDA remains committed to cooperation and innovation in support of national sovereignty. The Group continues to expand its production capacity and strategic partnerships, further reinforcing European defence readiness. MBDA remains the only European company offering a comprehensive portfolio of sovereign air defence capabilities.

Also read: Denmark | Strengthening Its Air Defence with NASAMS, VL MICA and IRIS-T SLM Systems