01/07/2026
France just tested its next-generation SAMP/T NG air defense system and is openly talking about sending it to Ukraine, and in this video I explain why that is a far bigger deal than it sounds. Countries do not debut brand-new strategic air defense systems under real enemy fire unless they are confident it works and believe Ukraine now defines the future of air defense.
I break down what SAMP/T NG actually brings to the fight, including the new Ground Fire AESA radar, Aster 30 Block 1 NT interceptors, true 360-degree coverage, and why this system sits above NASAMS and IRIS-T in the air defense stack. I also explain why France is moving this fast, how it compares to Patriot, and how Ukraine would actually employ it as part of a layered defense protecting cities, airbases, and critical infrastructure.
If you want clear analysis on where European air defense is headed next, hit that funky subscribe button.
Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.
Source: Wes O’Donnell
“…and is openly talking about sending it to Ukraine…”
This doesn’t mean that they’re going to. If they are smart, they will do so. There’s no better place on Earth right now to test this system. And Ukraine is in battle to save Europe.