Ukraine to test French SAMP/T system against ballistic missiles – Zelenskyy
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine will receive a new SAMP/T air defense system from France this year and will test it against ballistic missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a press conference.
According to Zelenskyy, during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, the most important topic of discussion was an alternative to Patriot air defense systems.
"SAMP/T is currently the only alternative in Europe. This year, we will see whether the new SAMP/T systems can shoot down ballistic missiles. This year, we will receive the system and test it against ballistic threats. If it works, it will become good long-term assistance," the president said.
He also noted that if SAMP/T proves effective, Ukraine will be first in line to receive new systems.
"If we succeed with the French and manage to intercept ballistic missiles, this will be the first such alternative. And of course Emmanuel and I agreed that Ukraine will be first in this queue. Because as soon as they start shooting down ballistic missiles, there will immediately be a line. Therefore, my main task was to agree that we would test it together and be first in line. I do not see other alternatives for now," Zelenskyy added.
Ukraine–France declaration
It should be recalled that Ukraine and France signed a declaration of intent last November on cooperation in the procurement of defense equipment, covering aircraft, drones, and air defense systems.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the document grants Ukraine access to France’s defense technology base, including the possibility of purchasing up to 100 Dassault Rafale F4 fighter jets by 2035, SAMP/T air defense systems, radars, and air-to-air missiles.
Joint projects between the two countries' defense industries will begin this year. Ukraine and France will jointly produce interceptor drones and work on developing critical technologies and components for integration into Ukrainian unmanned systems.
As Emmanuel Macron stated, Ukraine will be the first customer to receive the next-generation SAMP/T air defense system, which is still under development.
It is also known that, as part of the agreement, Ukraine plans to purchase around 100 French Dassault Rafale combat aircraft, produced by Dassault Aviation.
