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Denmark has announced one of its largest defense procurement deals, acquiring the French-Italian SAMP/T system for 58 billion kroner ($9.1 billion) as part of a major expansion of its ground-based air defenses, becoming the first EU export customer for the system.

The Danish government has confirmed plans to buy and operate a total of eight medium- and long-range air defense systems, a sharp increase from the smaller number originally announced. The package includes two SAMP/T units, which will make Denmark the first European Union country outside France and Italy to field the system.

Denmark also plans to procure other medium-range systems manufactured by Norway, Germany or France. The move reflects growing pressure within the EU to prioritize European defense industries while still ensuring interoperability within NATO.

Until now, the SAMP/T has only been in service with France and Italy, while roughly seven EU countries have instead chosen the American-made Patriot system. By opting for SAMP/T, Denmark is signaling a stronger commitment to European defense cooperation and diversifying away from its traditional reliance on U.S. platforms.

Ukraine’s Success with SAMP/T

Ukraine received at least two donated SAMP/T systems, with one deployed around Kyiv. The ongoing war has underlined the urgency of strengthening Europe’s missile defenses.

“The war in Ukraine clearly demonstrates the need for a modern ground-based air defense system consisting of multiple integrated systems that provide multiple layers of airspace protection,” Danish Chief of Defense Gen. Michael Hyldgaard said in a statement.

Denmark has already scrambled to build a medium-range layer using three different systems: a Kongsberg NASAMS system, two MBDA VL MICA systems, and an IRIS-T system from Germany’s Diehl Defense. The first is expected to be operational around the end of 2025.

The Ministry of Defense said the medium-range systems being acquired will count toward the final eight. A decision on further medium-range purchases will be made between additional systems from Kongsberg, MBDA, and Diehl.

“The decision to go with more than one or two suppliers enables shorter delivery times,” said Lt. Gen. Per Pugholm Olsen, head of the Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organization. “This means that we can achieve our goal of a comprehensive ground-based air defense capacity as quickly as possible.”

Each system will consist of a radar, a fire-control unit, and one or more launchers with missiles. The government emphasized that operational, economic, and strategic considerations guided the selection.

Technical Capabilities of SAMP/T

SAMP/T, developed by Eurosam, a joint venture between Thales and MBDA’s French and Italian branches, offers advanced capabilities against aircraft and ballistic threats.

The system can operate up to six vertical launchers, each fitted with eight Aster 30 B1 or B1NT missiles, and can also integrate short-range defenses like VL MICA or CAMM-ER missiles. Its radar, provided by either Thales or Leonardo, is a 360-degree active electronically scanned array system able to track aircraft, missiles, and ballistic targets.

Each launcher can fire its eight missiles within about 10 seconds. The system’s range is officially up to 150 kilometers against aircraft, with what MBDA describes as “excellent capability” against theater ballistic missiles.

The Aster 30 missile weighs 450 kilograms, measures 4.9 meters in length, and is powered by a two-stage solid rocket motor, reaching speeds of Mach 4.5. The first stage separates shortly after launch. Guidance uses a combination of inertial navigation, updated target data, and an electromagnetic active seeker in the terminal phase. The missile’s thrust vectoring provides maneuverability, while a blast-fragmentation warhead with a proximity fuse is designed to counter hardened targets, including ballistic missiles.

French and Italian Configurations

Two main configurations of the SAMP/T exist. The French version uses the Thales GF 300 radar and MICA VL short-range missiles, while the Italian version employs Leonardo’s Kronos GMHP radar with CAMM-ER short-range missiles. Both share the Aster 30 for long-range defense.

France has already signed a contract for serial production of the upgraded SAMP/T NG system. Paris has also indicated interest in closer coordination with Germany’s European Sky Shield Initiative, although disagreements persist over Berlin’s preference for Patriot over SAMP/T.

European Push for Defense Autonomy

The European Commission has pushed for member states to prioritize European defense suppliers to strengthen the local industry and build strategic autonomy. Officials in Brussels and national capitals see reliance on U.S. suppliers as increasingly risky, especially after President Donald Trump threatened NATO allies, including Denmark and Canada, with reduced American support.

Air defense has been identified as a critical shortfall in the Commission’s defense white paper. “There’s a use for big and bold decisions if we are to strengthen the armed forces’ combat capability and increase security for the Danish people,” Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said in a social media post. “Therefore, proud of the biggest investment ever made at $9.1 billion for ground-based air defense, to be deployed across Denmark,” Poulsen added.

Patriots’ Offer Rejected

The U.S. had recently offered Denmark two Patriot systems with integrated battle command for an estimated cost of $8.5 billion. Copenhagen’s decision to opt for SAMP/T marks a rare rejection of a major U.S. system in favor of a European alternative.

As part of the deal, Denmark is demanding offset agreements worth more than $1.6 billion for its defense industry. The Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs said foreign suppliers may either buy directly from Danish companies or establish partnerships for joint development.

Denmark’s decision is seen as strengthening Europe’s defense industry while signaling a cautious move away from overreliance on U.S. defense systems. With NATO’s eastern flank under pressure from Russia’s war on Ukraine, Denmark’s investment represents both a national and regional contribution to collective security.

The deployment of the new systems across Denmark will mark the largest single investment in ground-based air defense in the country’s history.