Why Europe’s new Samp/T air-defence system could challenge US Patriot dominance

Why Europe’s new Samp/T air-defence system could challenge US Patriot dominance

A new version of the Franco-Italian Samp/T air-defence system is taking aim at the dominance of the US-made Patriot missile system. Long overshadowed by its American counterpart, the upgraded Samp/T promises 360-degree radar coverage, faster deployment, and a new missile with extended range—features its developers say make it a serious contender for future global defence contracts, the Wall Street Journal reported.

A test of Europe's military independence

The timing of the Samp/T’s launch is no coincidence. With US support under President Trump more unpredictable, European governments are rethinking their dependence on American arms. Denmark, Belgium, Portugal, and the UK are all expected to upgrade their air defences soon. European pride and billions in defence spending hang in the balance as the region weighs whether to stick with proven US systems or pivot to homegrown alternatives.

Patriot under pressure as Ukraine shifts battlefield

While the Patriot has proven indispensable in Ukraine, recent reports say it has struggled to intercept new Russian missiles with advanced manoeuvrability. At the same time, Ukraine has reportedly run out of interceptor missiles for its Samp/T systems, highlighting ongoing supply challenges for both platforms. RTX, which builds the Patriot, is updating the system with a new radar set for deployment in 2029. But by then, Europe’s Samp/T could already be deployed more widely.

Next-gen features power the Samp/T pitch

Developers of the new Samp/T say its biggest edge is flexibility and efficiency. The radar can track threats more than 220 miles away and rotate continuously, unlike the current Patriot radar. Its canisters now launch vertically, enabling all-direction engagement. The system can be operated by just 15 personnel, compared with the 90 needed for a Patriot battery. A redesigned Aster missile extends its range to over 90 miles, bolstering its battlefield reach.

Missile shortages threaten both systems’ success

Production bottlenecks remain a major obstacle. Ukraine’s Samp/T systems are idle due to lack of missiles, and MBDA, the system’s manufacturer, faced pressure from France to ramp up production. It now plans to boost Aster missile output by 50% by 2026. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin says it will raise Patriot interceptor production to 600 per year but admits the process still lags behind demand—especially after Trump temporarily halted new supplies to Ukraine.

A lucrative market hangs in the balance

Europe’s push for self-reliance could shake up the $330 billion in expected annual defence spending tied to new military pledges. While the US currently dominates global arms exports—holding 43% of the market—growing calls among European lawmakers for a pivot away from American suppliers could chip away at that lead. As Danish lawmaker Rasmus Jarlov put it, “We want an air-defence system from a stable and reliable ally—not one that threatens us.”