‘Bibi's Out Of Control': U.S. Fumes As Netanyahu Bombs Syria, Shocking Trump & White House
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India.com
5 minutes ago
- India.com
After Challenging The F-35 With Rafale, France Now Targets U.S. Patriot With New Samp/T Air Defense System; Know Its Power
Paris: The United States has remained at the top of the global arms industry for decades. But France is steadily emerging as one of its strongest challengers. After offering its Rafale fighter jet as a credible alternative to the American F-35, Paris is now setting its sights on the Patriot missile system with a new air defense contender. Developed jointly with Italy, France has unveiled the Samp/T (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain) system – a modern air defense solution designed to compete directly with the U.S.-built Patriot. The move comes as several Western nations re-evaluate their defense contracts, particularly those involving American hardware. According to a report by the Eurasian Times, France is actively presenting Samp/T to nations reconsidering large F-35 orders, positioning it as a European-built solution that not only defends but reflects sovereign industrial independence. This shift could impact billions in future U.S. defense contracts. Rising Defense Budgets, Bigger Stakes Across NATO and beyond, countries are ramping up their defense spending. Recent global conflicts have highlighted the need for modern and mobile air defense systems. Nations unable or unwilling to engage with Russia or China for military hardware now look west to the United States and increasingly to France. President Emmanuel Macron has pushed hard for foreign orders of the Samp/T. He has called it a complete European alternative, urging buyers to opt for this next-generation missile defense over the U.S. Patriot. 'Those who buy Patriots should now consider the Franco-Italian Samp/T. And those who look at the F-35 should be offered the Rafale,' he said. Features That Set Samp/T Apart At this year's Paris Air Show, EuroSAM, a consortium behind the Samp/T, outlined the system's capabilities. Military advisor Eric Tabachi emphasised its advanced radar, which rotates every second, scanning over 220 miles of airspace and offering full 360-degree coverage. He claimed this feature gives it a distinct edge over the Patriot. The system can detect ballistic missiles maneuvering up to 600 km away and intercept targets at 150 km. Its vertical-launch Aster missiles, 48 per unit, can respond to threats from any direction. Each unit includes a multifunction radar and up to six launchers. Despite its compact design, it is highly mobile and cost-effective, though production capacity may limit its global availability. Can Samp/T Dethrone the Patriot? The American Patriot system remains a dominant player. Trusted by over 19 countries, it has a strong combat record and wide global deployment. Its PAC-3 MSE missiles are effective, but some experts suggest they trail behind the Aster 30 in flexibility and performance. The Patriot requires more setup space and personnel, while Samp/T boasts quicker mobility and simplified logistics. EuroSAM insists Samp/T has evolved beyond just matching the Patriot. It now surpasses it in many areas. Features like vertical-launch canisters and sweeping radar coverage may appeal to nations seeking cutting-edge alternatives. Global Footprint Still Growing So far, only France and Italy operate the Samp/T domestically. Singapore has purchased a customised variant, and two batteries have been delivered to Ukraine. Since entering service in 2011, 18 complete systems have been ordered worldwide. By contrast, Patriot has seen over 240 orders from 19 countries. Can France and Italy's Samp/T chip away at America's dominance in global missile defense? Only time and new contracts will tell.


Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
In attack on AAP in Punjab, Anurag Thakur says land pooling scheme like Delhi liquor scam
Bathinda: BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Sunday likened AAP govt's land pooling scheme in Punjab to the 2022 liquor scam in Delhi, stating that the final destination for those behind it will be jail. Speaking to media here, Thakur said Delhi-based leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party, alarmed over facing jail terms in the liquor scam, were now making Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann implement the land pooling scheme. "After minting money, they will go away, and those who implement it will have to face the music," Thakur added. Thakur, who is a govt body member of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bathinda, visited the health institute duiring the day. He said a 300-bedded facility would be added shortly. He said he came to know of some medicines not being available at Jan Aushadhi and Amrit Pharmacy in AIIMS, and he would take up the matter at appropriate forums. He also accused the state govt of charging the commercial rate for electricity from AIIMS and asked it to provide electricity at subsidised rates. Thakur also hit out at AAP over a growing perception that its Delhi-based leaders were now calling the shots in Punjan. "People in Punjab feel cheated after giving a thumping majority to AAP, as they chose Punjabis to lead them, but Delhi-based leaders took control and are governing Punjab by proxy," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The former Union minister said the Delhi-based AAP leaders were taking decisions that were not in the interest of Punjab or Punjabis. He also raised the issue of AAP not meeting its promise of giving a Rs 1,000 per month cash incentive to women. The BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur constituency also raised lack of jobs, rising drug menace, no MSP on crops other than wheat and paddy, and gangsters running syndicates from jails. He added that elected members of AAP would start leaving it in the next six months, as they knew it had lost people's confidence. "BJP is sure to form the next govt," said Anurag. He also took potshots at Samvidhan Bachao rallies of the Congress. He accused the Congress-led govt in Himachal Pradesh of not providing adequate assistance to people ravaged by excessive rain, while the central govt was providing assistance.

Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Talks Were Pragmatic...': Kremlin's Big Reveal On Trump-Putin Phone Call
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said a Putin-Trump meeting was "necessary" to formalize key agreements regarding Ukraine. While Moscow insisted it was ready to act quickly, Peskov noted that 'the time hadn't come yet.' He also referred to a 'difficult' Trump-Putin call, highlighting ongoing tensions but emphasizing Russia's unchanging goals in the conflict. Watch Read More