Luxembourg is examining the possible acquisition of the SAMP/T NG long-range air defense system under the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, as part of an ongoing review of its defense capabilities, officials and industry sources said Monday, Dec. 15.
According to La Lettre, Luxembourg is assessing the SAMP/T NG within the framework of the SAFE mechanism, which supports joint European defense procurement through common financial instruments while prioritizing European-made systems. No acquisition decision has been publicly announced to date.
The move reflects growing European demand for ground-based air and missile defense and Luxembourg’s effort to contribute to NATO and European collective defense despite its small size and lack of combat aircraft. Instead, the country is focusing on deployable, interoperable systems capable of protecting critical assets or reinforcing allied airspace as part of multinational operations.
The SAMP/T NG, developed by Eurosam, a joint venture of MBDA and Thales, is emerging as a leading option. Eurosam considers Luxembourg a potential customer following Denmark’s formal selection of the system in September 2025, while the NG version is also competing with the U.S.-made Patriot system in several European capitals, including Brussels and Amsterdam.
Defense Minister Yuriko Backes has publicly expressed interest in the system, and her office has indicated that a roadmap will be presented to the Council of Government, stressing that no final choice has yet been made.
Under SAFE rules, at least two countries must jointly procure the same equipment to qualify for EU-backed loans, encouraging coordinated purchases and regional alignment, particularly within the Benelux framework.
Key technical features of the SAMP/T NG include:
-
New rotating AESA radar using gallium nitride (GaN) technology, providing 360-degree coverage
-
Detection range exceeding 350 kilometers and the ability to track more than 1,000 targets
-
Vertical launch system, with each launcher carrying eight Aster missiles
-
Scalable battery configuration of up to six launchers, totaling 48 ready-to-fire interceptors
-
Aster 30 B1NT interceptor, capable of engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, helicopters and certain tactical ballistic missiles
-
Maximum engagement range of approximately 150 kilometers
-
Rapid reaction time, measured in seconds in autonomous mode
-
Open-architecture command-and-control system, interoperable with NATO networks
-
Reduced manpower requirement, with operation by a small crew
-
Deployment time of under 15 minutes, enabling rapid mobility and repositioning
Luxembourg’s interest comes as it works toward spending 2% of gross national income on defense by 2025, alongside investments in satellite communications, drone programs and continued military support for Ukraine.
