Eurosam

Eurosam GIE

Company type	European economic interest grouping
Industry	Defense, Aerospace
Predecessor	Aérospatiale, Alenia, Thomson-CSF
Founded	June 1989 (1989-06)
Headquarters	Paris , France
Area served	Europe, international
Products	Anti-air missile systems (Aster missiles, PAAMS, SAMP/T)
Owner	MBDA France and MBDA Italy (66%), Thales Group (33%)

Eurosam GIE is a European enterprise specializing in the production of anti-air missile systems. Founded in June 1989, Eurosam created the Famille de missiles Sol-Air Futurs (Future Surface-to-Air Family of missiles, abbreviated as FSAF). Originally formed as a collaboration between Aérospatiale, Alenia, and Thomson-CSF, current ownership is divided between MBDA France and MBDA Italy (holding a combined 66%) and Thales Group (33%). This ownership structure resulted from corporate reorganizations whereby Aérospatiale and Alenia's missile divisions merged into MBDA, while Thomson-CSF transitioned into Thales Group.

Aster missiles

The Phase 1 agreement, established in May 1990, encompassed the FSAF program featuring the Aster 15 and Aster 30 missile variants intended for the following uses:

• SAAM (Système Anti-Air Missile) for naval self-defense
  • SAAM-FR — deployment of Aster 15 on the French aircraft carrier
  • SAAM-IT — deployment of Aster 15 on the Italian aircraft carrier
• SAMP/T (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée Terrestre) Ground-to-Air Medium Range Missile System
  • Utilizing Aster 30 missiles integrated with Arabel radar units

Ground-launched systems

The GBAD system, capable of both ABT and ATBM operations, features the fully autonomous, self-propelled SAMP/T platform mounted on trucks. Typically, each system includes a fire control unit equipped with a multi-function radar (MRI), an Engagement Module (ME), and up to six vertical launch modules (MLT) loaded with Aster 30 missiles. SAMP/T is distinct in its ability to simultaneously counter tactical ballistic missiles and aerodynamic targets from any direction.

Naval systems

On 17 November 2011, the French Navy’s air defense frigate Chevalier Paul successfully demonstrated its PAAMS air defense system by achieving the longest-range interception recorded among all PAAMS variants (Italian, British, or French). Meanwhile, HMS Defender, the Royal Navy’s fifth Type 45 destroyer, outfitted with the PAAMS (UK) system known as Sea Viper, completed its initial sea trials before returning to Glasgow for further development.

Anti-air application

In August 1999, the FSAF program was expanded to incorporate PAAMS, the Principal Anti Air Missile System. This system utilizes both Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles to provide self-defense, local area protection, and extended-range coverage. PAAMS is administered by EUROPAAMS, a joint venture comprising Eurosam (66%) and MBDA subsidiary UKAMS (33%). MBDA owns 66% of Eurosam, thereby controlling approximately 77% of PAAMS. The MBDA consortium itself is jointly held by BAE, Airbus, and Leonardo. PAAMS equips four French/Italian Horizon frigates as well as six British Type 45 destroyers.

"Building block" architecture

Eurosam’s air defense systems employ a modular "building block" design philosophy that combines various components to configure tailored solutions. A standard setup consists of a multi-function radar, a command and control center incorporating Mara computers and Magics consoles, along with a vertical launch system. Additional subsystems can be integrated to enhance functionalities for specialized missions such as extended naval area defense or anti-ballistic missile operations.

Applications

In March 1998, Saudi Arabia contracted for the SAAM system (equipped with Aster 15) to arm its DCN Al Riyadh-class frigates. In August 2011, Turkey’s national air and missile defense competition attracted contenders including Raytheon/Lockheed Martin offering the Patriot, Russia’s Rosoboronexport presenting the S-300, China’s CPMIEC with HQ-9, and Eurosam’s SAMP/T Aster 30. Eurosam has delivered fourteen units across Italy and France, including two First of Class units. France intends to deploy ten SAMP/T systems distributed among five air defense squadrons; Italy consolidates five units into one regiment based in Mantova, with four already delivered. MBDA has proposed supplying Poland with the Arabel radar alongside Arabel radar 30. Poland’s Wisla program finalists include Raytheon’s Patriot and Eurosam’s SAMP/T Mamba utilizing Aster-30 missiles.

On 5 January 2018, France and Turkey signed a project definition contract with Eurosam for the Long Range Air and Missile Defense System (LORAMIDS). Turkey will also contribute to development efforts during the mid-life upgrade (MLU) phase of SAMP/T Aster 30 Block 1NT through its companies Aselsan and Roketsan.