14. January 2014

FSAF - French SAMP/T "MAMBA" System Delivery

On 14th January 2014, the OCCAR FSAF – PAAMS Programme Division accepted delivery of the penultimate French SAMP/T “MAMBA” system and subsequently transferred it to the French Air Force Ground Based Air Defence Squadron 01.950 “CRAU”. This is the last Squadron to be equipped with the SAMP/T “MAMBA” system, located on Istres Air Force base, in the south-east of France.

Delivery and acceptance activities took place at French Procurement Agency premises located in Biscarrosse. Activities such as configuration surveys and functional trials preceded the formal handover of the sub-systems, including support provisions.

An effective cooperation between industry, French Air Force Representatives and FSAF – PAAMS Programme Division led to the delivery of the 9th out of 10 weapon systems. This is an important milestone for the user, as this state-of-the-art land Surface-to-Air Anti Missile System is now fully automated and able to face a wide range of air threats, demonstrating its agile rapid reaction capability.

The final weapon system is expected before the end of this year, the French Air Force is now on target to fully operate the SAMP/T “MAMBA” system globally, whenever, thanks to the complex nature of the ISS contract and, of course, the expertise acquired by the operators.