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The DGA orders four additional SAMP/T NG systems

The DGA has ordered four additional sections of the new-generation SAMP/T NG medium- and long-range ground-based air defence system from EUROSAM GIE – a consortium comprising MBDA and Thales – via OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation).

This order brings the total number of next-generation sections to be deployed by the Air and Space Force to twelve. The first system was delivered in early 2026, and ten further sections will be delivered by the end of 2030.

The successor to the Franco-Italian SAMP/T (‘Mamba’) system, the SAMP/T NG was launched in 2021 to modernise the Air and Space Force’s surface-to-air defence capabilities and address the growing number of threats, particularly those posed by fast, stealthy and hypersonic vehicles. It incorporates a new-generation fire control system as well as Thales’ state-of-the-art Ground Fire 300 radar, tailored to the capabilities of the ASTER B1NT missile.

It will enable France to strengthen its air defence shield to safeguard its sovereignty. At the cutting edge of technology, the SAMP/T NG, combined with the future ASTER B1NT missile, will be the only European surface-to-air defence system capable of intercepting ballistic and hypersonic threats (travelling at speeds in excess of Mach 5). The SAMP/T NG has already received export orders and is attracting interest from several other countries.
 
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Sky News' Alex Rossi and John Sparks have been reporting from France throughout the day.The protest movement, which began with student demonstrations in Paris last month, snowballed into riots and disorder last weekend. Police have clashed with protesters across the country, with the use of tear gas being reported in several cities.
 
France, UAE revive Rafale warplane development amid French budget woes

Summary
  • UAE, France to now discuss costs, technical aspects
  • Countries have close military, strategic relationship
  • Financing upgrade of Rafale warplane key to its longevity
PARIS, Oct 23 (Reuters)

- France and the United Arab Emirates have revived plans to jointly develop an upgraded Rafale fighter jet after talks stumbled earlier this year, officials said, giving Paris a fresh opportunity to advance its flagship defence ‌programme.

The project, for which France's 2027 draft budget earmarks €3 billion ($3.36 billion), has returned to the top of the agenda after plans for France and Germany to jointly develop a next-generation fighter aircraft collapsed earlier this year.

France's President Emmanuel Macron travelled to the region this week and agreed with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan to deepen a strategic defence agreement between the two countries.

UAE, FRANCE HAVE CLOSE STRATEGIC TIES

The UAE is France's biggest customer of the Rafale warplane, which is built by Dassault Aviation (AM.PA), opens new tab.

Paris, which has military bases in the ⁠UAE, has been deemed especially reliable by Abu Dhabi during the current conflict in the Gulf after sending air defence systems to the country and shooting down drones from Iran with its warplanes.

"This trip enabled us to strengthen the defence relationship with the United Arab Emirates, where an important agreement was signed ... to establish a common strategy for the Rafale's fifth generation," Macron told reporters on Wednesday.

Two people familiar with the matter said the focus would now turn to the cost and technical details of the programme during talks that will take place between the industrial players.

Prior to the project stalling, La Tribune newspaper reported in April that its costs had reached €5 billion, with the UAE expected to fund roughly two-thirds.

BUDGET SQUEEZE MAKES EMIRATI DEAL VITAL

While Macron has pledged to accelerate rearmament in response to a more volatile security environment, officials face growing scrutiny ‌over how ⁠to fund costly long-term programmes at a time of large budget deficits and rising debt.

The budget squeeze has added importance to the Rafale F5 programme — also called F5 standard — which aims to give the fighter a mid-life upgrade and is seen as a cornerstone of France's future air combat capabilities.

The upgrade is expected to integrate new connectivity and advanced weapons, helping maintain the aircraft's relevance well into the 2040s and serving as a bridge to future European combat aviation projects.

Securing ⁠external partners and financing for the programme eases pressure on France's defence budget while preserving critical industrial and technological capabilities.

Under the terms of any deal, the UAE is likely to demand some technology transfers or for parts of the production to be moved to its own territory.

Analysts say that in the past this ⁠has created tensions with supplier nations and their defence industries, which have been reluctant to share strategic know-how or to move production abroad.

A senior French official said there was a firm commitment from Abu Dhabi to work with France now, and Dassault was working with Emirati defence conglomerate ⁠EDGE Group.

Dassault declined to comment on the agreement.

Olivier Andries, chief executive of Safran (SAF.PA), opens new tab, which manufactures the Rafale's engines, said on Friday that the agreement was "very good news".

In a call with reporters, he declined to say which technology or production transfers would be considered as part of the deal.

EDGE and Safran already cooperate on several areas including defence electronics and smart weapons.
 
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