Air Force spokesman comments on whether SAMP/T can intercept ballistic missiles

“SAMP/T systems have long been in Ukraine and have even shot down Russian aircraft. But we must hope for the modification that will be able to protect us from ballistic missiles today,” Yurii Ihnat said on Radio NV.

“We have previously reported that two systems are capable of this. MIM-104 Patriot has proven itself. The version of SAMP/T currently in our possession has not yet been used against ballistic missiles,” he added.

Ihnat explained that every air defense system has its own tactical and technical characteristics, and that Patriot systems are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles thanks in part to radar technology that can guide interceptor missiles against ballistic targets.

“The radar must bring the interceptor missile and the ballistic missile to the same point. This happens in the sky at incredible speeds,” Ihnat said. “Only a few manufacturers in the world have achieved this technology, including the makers of Patriot systems.”

He said Ukraine hopes upgraded French systems will also become operational, noting that the relevant agreements for French deliveries have already been signed.

“The only issue is that producing such advanced technologies is not quick. This is a long-term or at least medium-term prospect that Ukraine needs in order to gradually integrate these systems,” the Air Force spokesperson said.

On Dec. 23, 2025, reports said France had decided to provide Ukraine with the first upgraded SAMP/T NG system in 2026.

The French Aid to Ukraine initiative did not specify the number of systems to be transferred, though Militarnyi reported that Ukraine could receive eight SAMP/T NG systems, each including six launchers.

In November, Defense Express reported that the upgraded SAMP/T systems would be more effective at intercepting ballistic missiles. The existing Arabel radar would be replaced by the Ground Fire 300 radar.

The Arabel radar had a detection range of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) and could track up to 130 targets. The GaN-based Ground Fire 300 radar is expected to have a range of 400 kilometers (250 miles) and the ability to track up to 1,000 targets.

On March 15, 2026, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would begin testing the new SAMP/T systems in 2026 for intercepting ballistic missiles.