Ukraine will receive a Franco-Italian SAMP-T NG air defense system this year to test its capability against ballistic missiles, offering an alternative to Patriot as part of Kyiv's security upgrades.

The system uses Ground Fire 300 radar and Aster 30 B1NT missiles to target a range of threats, with interception up to about 150 km and detection beyond 350 km, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

Ukraine has secured priority access with France to use the system if tests confirm ballistic interception capabilities, aiming to be first in line once success is demonstrated.

The briefing also notes regional tensions: Moldova faces a pollution alert linked to a fuel spill likely tied to a Russian attack on a Ukrainian hydroelectric plant, alongside Hungary's anti-government demonstrations amid EU pressures and Russian influence concerns.

The Kronos Grand Mobile HP radar, a GaN-based naval-origin AESA radar, offers rapid updates with combat detection ranges up to 250 km and 300 km in search mode, enabling 60 rotations per minute.

This radar provides 250 km combat detection and 300 km search, with a 30 km maximum target altitude, enhancing multi-domain tracking for air and missile defense.

The developments are framed within Zelensky’s broader push for EU and US support and the evolving security dynamics in Europe, including Hungary’s leadership and Ukraine’s ties with Europe and Washington.

Russia’s increased ballistic missile use late in 2025 to early 2026 has strained Western air defenses and raised concerns about supply amid Middle East conflict impacts.

Zelensky warned that Middle East events could affect Ukraine’s access to air defense systems, prompting talks with partners to secure additional stockpiles from allies.

The SAMP-T NG program reflects Europe’s drive to reduce dependence on the United States for advanced air defense and to build a coordinated regional capability.

Zelensky also indicated plans to tighten state control over Ukraine’s drone exports to abroad, underscoring the strategic value of drone expertise and oversight risks.

Ground Fire radar features include a wide 360-degree azimuth, 90-degree elevation, and S-band AESA, capable of tracking drones and ballistic missiles in challenging environments.