Luxembourg studies SAMP/T NG air defense system acquisition under European SAFE program.

Luxembourg is examining the acquisition of the SAMP/T NG long-range air defense system within the framework of the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program.

According to La Lettre on December 15, 2025, Luxembourg is studying the possible acquisition of the SAMP/T NG air defense system as part of its ongoing defense capability review. The assessment is taking place within the framework of the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism, which supports joint defense procurement through common financial instruments. However, to date, no acquisition decision has been publicly announced by the country.
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The SAMP/T NG uses vertical launchers providing 360-degree engagement, each carrying eight Aster missiles, with a battery scalable up to six launchers for a total of 48 ready-to-fire interceptors. (Picture source: MBDA)

Luxembourg is examining the acquisition of a long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, with the SAMP/T NG emerging as a serious option in a European context shaped by rising air defense demand and new financing mechanisms. The discussion takes place alongside the rollout of the European SAFE program, which is designed to facilitate large-scale defense investments through common financial instruments while favoring European manufacturers. In this new framework, Luxembourg’s interest is framed as part of a broader reassessment of how small states contribute to NATO and European integrated air and missile defense, not through combat aviation but through deployable and interoperable ground-based systems. The debate also reflects Benelux defense dynamics, since Luxembourg’s choices are closely linked to cooperation with Belgium and the Netherlands, where such acquisitions are also under discussion.

According to this article, Eurosam, the MBDA and Thales joint venture responsible for the SAMP/T and SAMP/T NG, considers Luxembourg a potential customer following Denmark’s formal selection of the system on September 12, 2025. While any Luxembourg order would be limited in size due to the country’s geography and force structure, it would still carry strategic weight by anchoring the SAMP/T NG within the Benelux security environment. The system is competing directly with the Patriot in several European capitals, including Brussels and Amsterdam, making Luxembourg relevant in a regional competitive landscape. Defense Minister Yuriko Backes has publicly shown interest, including at the Paris Air Forum, and her office has indicated that a roadmap will be submitted to the Council of Government, while clearly stating that no final choice has yet been made regarding the system.

The Security Action for Europe mechanism, commonly referred to by its acronym SAFE, plays a central role in shaping how such a purchase could be structured and financed. The SAFE is built around €150 billion in EU-backed loans intended to accelerate defense procurement while strengthening the European defense industrial base. A key condition is that at least two countries must jointly acquire the same equipment to benefit from the scheme, which directly affects high-cost systems such as surface-to-air missile (SAM) air defense systems. This requirement encourages coordinated procurement strategies rather than isolated national buys, and it has pushed manufacturers like Eurosam to actively seek clusters of states willing to align their acquisition timelines. In this context, discussions involving Hungary, Portugal, and other European states such as Estonia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Norway, and Sweden are deemed relevant by Eurosam, particularly with Hungary’s stated objective to field a long-range air defense system before 2035 through participation in a broader European order.

Luxembourg’s own air defense posture explains why a system like SAMP/T NG is being considered despite the country’s small size (about 2,586 km², making it one of the smallest sovereign states in the world). Luxembourg does not operate fighter jets and relies on multinational arrangements for air defense, which places greater emphasis on niche but high-impact contributions. A mobile long-range air defense battery would allow Luxembourg to protect specific high-value assets, reinforce allied airspace defense, or deploy alongside partners within NATO frameworks. This discussion is consistent with Luxembourg’s broader defense planning, including a commitment to reach 2% of gross national income for defense by 2025, corresponding to approximately €1.18 billion. Associated programs include GovSat-2 at €105 million, a €46 million research and development line, continued investment in drone projects such as Skydweller, and support for Ukraine totaling around €120 million when combining existing and additional allocations.

The SAMP/T NG itself represents a substantial evolution of the original SAMP/T air defense system, with a focus on expanded coverage, improved sensor performance, and reduced manpower requirements. The NG is built around a new rotating AESA radar using GaN technology, with options including Thales Ground Fire 300 and Leonardo Kronos GM HP, both designed to provide full 360-degree coverage. The radar is described as capable of tracking more than 1,000 targets and supporting detection ranges beyond 350 km. The engagement module uses an upgraded command-and-control architecture with open software design, enhanced connectivity, and interoperability with NATO systems, and it is operated by a small team of up to four personnel, including a cyber specialist. Emplacement time is described as under 15 minutes, supporting rapid deployment.

The SAMP/T NG uses vertical launchers providing 360-degree engagement, each carrying eight Aster missiles, with a battery scalable up to six launchers for a total of 48 ready-to-fire interceptors. The primary interceptor, the Aster 30 B1NT, has a maximum range of about 150 km and the ability to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, helicopters, and maneuvering tactical ballistic missiles with ranges under 600 km. Reaction time from detection to firing is described by MBDA as a matter of seconds in autonomous mode. The missile uses inertial guidance with data updates before switching to an active seeker, combined with PIF-PAF control for high maneuverability, and performance figures include speeds up to Mach 4.5 and the ability to fire multiple missiles in rapid succession.

The existing and future SAMP/T user base in Europe is a critical factor for Luxembourg’s assessment, as it affects industrial momentum, missile availability, and long-term support. The SAMP/T is currently operated by France, Italy, and Singapore, and has been deployed in support of Ukraine through Franco-Italian cooperation. Denmark recently ordered the SAMP/T NG as its long-range air defense solution, with an order described as eight batteries and a value exceeding €7.7 billion, targeting entry into service around 2028. France possesses seven SAMP/T batteries and ordered eight NG systems, with plans to reach 12 by 2035, while Italy operates three SAMP/T batteries and has ordered 10 NG systems. Furthermore, the Aster missile production is ramping from 32 units in 2025 toward 80 to 100 annually, with an objective of exceeding 300 missiles per year from 2028, a factor that directly influences future customer confidence.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.