This is the last Squadron to be equipped with the SAMP/T “MAMBA” system, located on Istres Air Force base, in the south-east of France.

Delivery and acceptance activities took place at French Procurement Agency premises located in Biscarrosse. Activities such as configuration surveys and functional trials preceded the formal handover of the sub-systems, including support provisions.

An effective cooperation between industry, French Air Force Representatives and FSAF – PAAMS Programme Division led to the delivery of the 9th out of 10 weapon systems. This is an important milestone for the user, as this state-of-the-art land Surface-to-Air Anti Missile System is now fully automated and able to face a wide range of air threats, demonstrating its agile rapid reaction capability.

The final weapon system is expected before the end of this year, the French Air Force is now on target to fully operate the SAMP/T “MAMBA” system globally, whenever, thanks to the complex nature of the ISS contract and, of course, the expertise acquired by the operators.

The SAMP-T is the latest generation of surface-to-air air defense missile system used by the French Army. SAMP/T is a theatre anti-missile system designed to protect the battlefield and sensitive tactical sites (such as airports and sea ports) against all current and future airborne threats, including cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft and tactical ballistic missiles in the 600 km range class.

SAMP/T uses Aster 30 block 1 MBDA missiles which are equipped with a modified seeker, fuse, signal processing and a directional blast warhead where larger warhead fragments are directed towards the target.