France signs contract to accelerate Aster 30 missile and radar deliveries to Ukraine

September 22, 2026 at 02:33 PM2 min

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France announced on September 22, 2026 a contract to deliver new radars and interceptor missiles to Ukraine, accelerating Aster 30 deliveries to strengthen Kyiv's air defenses. The move builds on earlier Franco-Ukrainian commitments covering SAMP/T NG air defense systems and Aster 30 missiles. France and Italy had already agreed to deliver the planned Aster 30 missiles by October 2026 and authorized licensed production in Ukraine.

Key Facts

France announced on September 22, 2026 a contract covering delivery of new radars and interceptor missiles to Ukraine.
France and Italy agreed in July 2026 to accelerate delivery of the agreed number of Aster 30 missiles by October 2026.
France and Italy authorized licensed production of Aster 30 missiles in Ukraine, with production intended to begin before the end of 2026.
The SAMP/T NG system uses a 360-degree AESA radar: Thales Ground Fire 300 in the French configuration and Leonardo Kronos Grand Mobile High Power in the Italian configuration.

Contract and Deliveries

France announced on September 22, 2026 that it was further strengthening Ukraine’s air defence through the signing of a contract covering the delivery of new radars and the provision of interceptor missiles. The move builds on earlier Franco-Ukrainian commitments covering SAMP/T NG air defence systems and Aster 30 missiles, as Kyiv seeks to reinforce the protection of its critical infrastructure ahead of winter. To address Ukraine’s operational urgency, France and Italy had already decided in July to accelerate the delivery of the agreed number of Aster 30 missiles by October 2026, supporting the commitment made to Eurosam through the European Union’s Ukraine Support Loan (USL). Furthermore, France and Italy authorized the licensed production of Aster 30 missiles in Ukraine, with production intended to begin as soon as possible and before the end of 2026.

Air Defense Capabilities

The SAMP/T NG is a state-of-the-art theatre air and missile defence system designed to protect deployed forces and sensitive sites against a wide spectrum of airborne threats, including cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft, and tactical ballistic missiles. The system introduces a new 360-degree AESA multifunction radar, using the Thales Ground Fire 300 in the French configuration and Leonardo’s Kronos Grand Mobile High Power radar in the Italian configuration. It is paired with the Aster family of interceptor missiles, including the next-generation Aster 30 B1NT. The combination of 360-degree radar coverage and Aster interceptors will strengthen Ukraine’s layered defense against aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and increasingly demanding ballistic threats.