Digital Globe imagery from 31 July 2010 shows the French firing range (DGA Essais de Missiles) in Biscarrosse located on the Bay of Biscay. The clam-shell shelters housed the SAMP/T prior to recent testing.
On 06Mar13, the Italian Army 4th Air Defence Artillery Regiment of Mantova (Reggimento Artiglieria Controaerei Peschiera) and the French Air Force evaluation center CEAM (Centre d’Expériences Aériennes Militaires), jointly conducted the fire of a third MBDA Aster 30 Block 1 medium-range surface-to-air missile from the SAMP/T (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée/ Terrestre). [1,2]
The test was executed at the French procurement defence agency DGA (Direction Générale de l´Armement) missile testing centre DGA Essais de Missiles (DGA EM) of Biscarrosse, France (pictured above). For the test, two SAMP/T systems of the French Air Force were jointly manned by personnel of the Italian Army (Esercito Italiano) and French Air Force (Armée de l´Air).
According to reports, an Aster 30 Block 1 missile engaged a Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Black Sparrow air-launched missile fired from a Boeing F-15D Eagle of the Israel Air Force (Heyl Ha’Avir). After about 300 km of flight, the target was destroyed by the SAMP/T system simulating an anti-tactical ballistic missile operation.
Background
The SAMP/T is a joint Franco-Italian air and missile defense system based on the MBDA Aster 30 interceptor. As the only non-US built long-range air defense system contributing to the NATO Alliance capability against ballistic threats, SAMP/T is the cornerstone of the Europe’s contribution to the evolving European missile defense architecture. French and Italian governments have committed to contribute to NATO ATBM defence with SAMP/T systems.
France will reportedly deploy 10 SAMP/T systems (local designation: Mamba) in five air defence squadrons, while the Italian Army is receiving five systems to arm one Artillery Regiment.
In French service, Mamba arm the squadrons or EDSA (Escadron de Défense Sol-Air): 04.950 Servance, 12.950 Tursan, 05.950 Barois, 02.950 Sancerre and 01.950 Crau.
Beyond the immediate users, the SAMP/T is also being marketed toward Middle Eastern countries, specifically Qatar, as well as the European market where the system has been proposed for Turkish and Polish procurement programs.
Notes:
[1] The French Air Force evaluation center CEAM is based at the BA 118 Air Base of Mont-de-Marsan.
[2] Previous test-firing of a SAMP/T system was held in October 2010 and a second in November 2011.
