Denmark Advances Airspace Protection Strategy with Adoption of Next-Generation European Defence System

SAMP/T NG ground to air defence system ©Thales

(IN BRIEF) Denmark has chosen the SAMP/T NG system to reinforce its air defence capabilities, becoming the third nation to adopt the European-developed platform after France and Italy. The system, supported by Thales and developed in partnership with MBDA, combines advanced radar technology, missile integration, and command systems to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of aerial threats. Central to its performance is the Ground Fire radar, which offers long-range detection, rapid response, and full coverage in complex operational environments. The system is also part of a broader integrated defence architecture known as SkyDefender, incorporating artificial intelligence and cybersecurity features. With deliveries expected from 2028, the programme strengthens both Denmark’s national defence and Europe’s collective security capabilities, while promoting interoperability and industrial collaboration across the region.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 21-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Denmark has selected the European SAMP/T NG air defence system to strengthen its national airspace protection, marking a significant step in enhancing its defence capabilities. With this decision, Denmark becomes the third country to adopt the system, joining France and Italy in the SAMP/T NG user community.

Thales plays a central role in the programme, contributing key technologies to the French variant of the system, including the advanced Ground Fire radar. The agreement represents the first export contract for the next-generation system and includes the delivery of SAMP/T NG sections, with initial deliveries scheduled from 2028.

The system is built around the Ground Fire radar, a high-performance solution designed for surveillance and air defence missions. With a detection range of up to 400 kilometres and full 360-degree coverage combined with 90-degree elevation, the radar provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities. It has been in serial production since early 2025 and has already demonstrated its performance during qualification testing of the French configuration of SAMP/T NG.

SAMP/T NG forms a core component of SkyDefender, an integrated air and missile defence architecture developed by Thales to provide multi-layered protection across land, sea, and space domains. The system incorporates advanced cybersecurity measures and artificial intelligence capabilities through Thales’ cortAIx platform, enabling it to respond effectively to a wide range of aerial threats.

Designed to maximize the effectiveness of the Aster missile family, including A30 B1 and A30 B1NT interceptors, the Danish configuration will feature the Ground Fire 300 radar. Built on active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, the radar is capable of detecting, tracking, and classifying multiple targets simultaneously, even in complex environments such as mountainous terrain, maritime zones, or heavily jammed operational conditions. Its rapid refresh rate and wide surveillance capability allow it to address threats ranging from drones and aircraft to ballistic missiles.

Thales is also responsible for integrating the fire control system and delivering the ME-NG (Next Generation Engagement Module), developed in collaboration with MBDA. This module acts as the central command and control system, ensuring coordinated engagement of threats.

The system’s open architecture enables interoperability with other European defence systems, contributing to broader regional security and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy. Its high mobility allows for rapid deployment and repositioning, which is essential for maintaining operational effectiveness in dynamic environments. The design also benefits from operational experience gathered through previous deployments of SAMP/T systems in France and Italy, including real combat scenarios.

The programme is managed by OCCAR, while eurosam—a joint venture between Thales and MBDA—serves as the prime contractor. Denmark will also benefit from increased production capacity for both the SAMP/T NG system and Aster missiles, supporting timely delivery beginning in 2028.

Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President for Land and Air Systems at Thales, stated that the selection reflects strong confidence in the system’s capabilities. He emphasized that SAMP/T NG represents a highly advanced mobile ground-to-air defence solution designed to enhance national security and contribute to the collective defence of Europe and NATO allies.

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SOURCE: Thales