Aster (missile family)

{{Short description|Franco-Italian surface-to-air missile family}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}} {{Infobox weapon | name = Aster | image = MBDA Aster p1220947.jpg | image_size = 300 | alt = | caption = MBDA Aster 30 on display showing attached booster | type = Surface-to-air/anti-ballistic missile | origin = France & Italy  | is_missile = y | is_UK = y  | service = Since 2001 | used_by = See ''operators'' | wars = Russo-Ukrainian war  | designer = | design_date = 1984–mid-1990s | manufacturer = {{ubl|MBDA (prime contractor)|Thales|Avio|Roxel|Eurosam GIE}} | developed_from = | developed_into = | unit_cost = | production_date = Since mid-1990s | number = | variants =  | spec_label = Aster 15 | mass = {{ubl|{{cvt|310|kg|lb}} overall|{{cvt|107|kg|lb}} dart|{{cvt|203|kg|lb}} booster}} | length = {{ubl|{{cvt|4.2|m|ftin}} overall|{{cvt|2.6|m|ftin}} dart|{{cvt|1.6|m|ftin}} booster}} | part_length = | width = | height = | diameter = {{ubl|{{cvt|180|mm|in}} dart body|{{cvt|380|mm|in}} booster}}  | filling = HE blast fragmentation | filling_weight = {{est}} {{cvt|15|kg|lb|0}} | detonation = Impact / radio-frequency proximity fuze  | engine = Solid-propellant, two-stage rocket motor | engine_power = | fuel_capacity = | vehicle_range = < {{cvt|30|km|mi}} | speed = {{cvt|3|Mach|m/s ft/s|0}} | guidance = ARH and INS with command updates | steering =  | wingspan = {{cvt|640|mm|in}} | tailspan = {{cvt|810|mm|in}} | propellant = | ceiling = | altitude = {{ubl|{{cvt|13000|m|ft|0}} general targets|{{cvt|14000|m|ft|0}} supersonic diving targets}} | boost = | depth = | accuracy = | launch_platform = | transport =  | ref = Janes<ref name=Janes-Aster>{{Citation |author=Janes |url=https://customer.janes.com/display/JNWS0482-JNW_ |title=Aster 15/Aster 30 |date=17 February 2026 |website=Janes Weapons: Naval |publisher=Jane's Group UK Limited. |publication-place=Coulsdon, Surrey |url-access=subscription |access-date=23 March 2026}}.</ref> }} {{Infobox weapon | name = Aster 30  | is_missile = y | is_UK = y  | spec_label = | mass = {{ubl|{{cvt|450|kg|lb}} overall|{{cvt|107|kg|lb}} dart|{{cvt|343|kg|lb}} booster}} | length = {{ubl|{{cvt|4.9|m|ftin}} overall|{{cvt|2.6|m|ftin}} dart|{{cvt|2.3|m|ftin}} booster}} | part_length = | width = | height = | diameter = {{ubl|{{cvt|180|mm|in}} dart body|{{cvt|380|mm|in}} booster}}  | filling = HE blast fragmentation | filling_weight = {{est}} {{cvt|15|kg|lb|0}} | detonation = Impact / radio-frequency proximity fuze  | engine = Solid-propellant, two-stage rocket motor | engine_power = | fuel_capacity = | vehicle_range = < {{cvt|120|km|mi}} | speed = {{cvt|4.5|Mach|m/s ft/s|0}} | guidance = ARH and INS with command updates | steering =  | wingspan = {{cvt|640|mm|in}} | tailspan = {{cvt|810|mm|in}} | propellant = | ceiling = | altitude = {{ubl|{{cvt|20000|m|ft|0}} general targets|{{cvt|22000|m|ft|0}} supersonic diving targets}} | boost = | depth = | accuracy = | launch_platform = | transport =  | ref = Janes<ref name=Janes-Aster/> }} thumb|Loading onto HMS ''Diamond''

The '''Aster 15''' and '''Aster 30''' are a Franco-Italian family of all-weather, vertical launch surface-to-air missiles.<ref name="eurosam.com">[http://www.eurosam.com/products/naval-systems/ Eurosam: Naval Systems – Aster 15 & 30/PAAMS] (Official Eurosam website), Retrieved February 2014. "''Up to 120 km range''".</ref> The name "''Aster''" stands for "Aérospatiale Terminale", with French company Aérospatiale having been the project's lead contractor before its missile activities were merged into MBDA. It also takes inspiration from the word "aster" ({{langx|el|ἀστήρ}}), meaning "star" in Ancient Greek. The missiles as well as the related weapon systems are manufactured by Eurosam, a consortium consisting of MBDA France, MBDA Italy and Thales, each holding a 33.3% share.

The Aster missiles were developed to intercept and destroy the full spectrum of air threats from high-performance combat aircraft, UAVs and helicopters to cruise, anti-radiation and even sea-skimming supersonic anti-ship missiles.<ref name="Aster 30 hits sea-skimming target at supersonic speeds">{{cite news |title=Interception d'une cible supersonique évoluant au ras de l'eau. |lang=fr |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/articles/interception-d-une-cible-supersonique-evoluant-au-ras-de-l-eau. |access-date=31 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619124019/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/articles/interception-d-une-cible-supersonique-evoluant-au-ras-de-l-eau. |archive-date=2016-06-19 |agency=French Ministry of Defence |publisher=defense.gouv.fr |date=5 April 2012}}</ref> The Aster 30 Block 1 and Block 1 NT are designed to also counter ballistic missiles.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |date=31 May 2022 |title=Aster 15 & 30 Datasheet |url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/product/aster-15-30/}}</ref>

The Aster is primarily operated by France and Italy, as well as the United Kingdom as an export customer, and is an integrated component of the PAAMS air defence system, known in the Royal Navy as Sea Viper. As the principal weapon of the PAAMS, the Aster equips the {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}}s in French and Italian service as well as the British Type 45 destroyers. It equips the French and Italian FREMM multipurpose frigates, though not through the PAAMS air defense suite itself but specific French and Italian derivatives of the system.

==History== During the 1980s, the predominant missiles in Franco-Italian service were short-range systems such as the French Crotale, Italian Selenia Aspide or American Sea Sparrow, with ranges up to a dozen kilometres. Some vessels were also equipped with the American medium/long range RIM-66 Standard. France and Italy decided to start development of a domestic medium/long range surface-to-air missile to enter service in the first decade of the 21st century, that would give them comparable range but superior interception capability to the American Standard or British Sea Dart already in service.

Thought was given in particular to the new missile's ability to intercept next-generation supersonic anti-ship missiles, such as the BrahMos missile developed jointly by India and Russia. This allowed the actual systems to have the characteristic of being specialised either in short-to-medium range "point defence" for e.g. ships, or in medium-to-long range "zone defence" of fleets.

In May 1989, a memorandum of understanding was signed between France and Italy for the development of a family of future surface-to air-missiles. Eurosam was formed shortly afterwards. By July 1995 development had taken shape in the form of the Aster missile, and test firing of the first Aster 30 took place. The missile successfully intercepted a target at an altitude of {{convert|15,000|m|abbr=on}} and at speeds of {{convert|1000|km/h|abbr=on}}. A Phase 2 contract was awarded in 1997 at US$1 billion for pre-production and development of the French-Italian land and naval systems.

During development trials between 1993 and 1994 all flight sequences, altitudes and ranges, were validated. This was also the period during which the launch sequence of Aster 30 was validated. In May 1996, trials of the Aster 15 active electromagnetic final guidance system against live targets began. All six attempts were successful. During 1997 Aster was extensively tested, this time being pitted against targets such as the Aerospatiale C.22 target and first generation Exocet anti-ship missiles.

In numerous engagements Aster scored direct impacts on its targets. During an engagement in November 1997 in a strong countermeasures environment, the Aster was not armed with its military warhead, so that the distance between the Aster and the target could be recorded. The target, a C22, was recovered bearing two strong cuts made by the fins of the Aster missile.

In May 2001, Aster again completed the "manufacturer's validation firing test". It was deployed for the first time on the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle||2}}. In June 2001, the Aster achieved a successful interception of an Arabel missile at low altitude in less than five seconds. In 2001, a target simulating an aircraft flying at speeds of Mach 1 and at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|abbr=on}} was intercepted by an Aster 15. The first ever operational firing of the Aster missile took place during October 2002 on board ''Charles de Gaulle''.<ref name="auto">{{citation |url=http://www.eurosam.com/program.html |publisher=Eurosam |title= Program milestones |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328062411/http://www.eurosam.com/program.html |archive-date=28 March 2010 }}</ref>

In November 2003, Eurosam was awarded the 3 billion euro Phase 3 production contract. Full production and exports to France, Italy, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom started.<ref name="auto"/> The resulting Aster surface-to-air missile meets inter-service and international requirements, addressing the needs of the land, air and naval forces of France, Italy and the United Kingdom. The decision to base the missile around a common terminal intercept "dart" to which different sized boosters can be attached, has made it modular and extensible.

From 2002 to 2005, the Italian experimental frigate {{ship|Italian frigate|Carabiniere|F 581|2}} provided a test bed for live firing trials of the Aster 15 from Sylver A43 launchers with EMPAR and SAAM-it systems, and the trials of Aster 30 from Sylver A50 launchers with EMPAR and PAAMS(E) systems.<ref name=gaspare>{{cite book|first=Gaspare|last=Galati|title=100 Years of Radar|publisher=Springer|place=New York|year=2016|pages=234–235|isbn=9783319005836}}</ref> {{As of|2012}}, France had spent €4.1bn at 2010 prices on 10 SAMP/T launchers, 375 Aster 30 missiles and 200 Aster 15 missiles.<ref name=Francebudget2012>{{Cite web | url=https://www.senat.fr/rap/a12-150-8/a12-150-815.html#toc290 | title=Projet de loi de finances pour 2013 : Défense : équipement des forces | language=fr | publisher=Senate of France | date=22 November 2012 | access-date=2013-11-07}}</ref> Another 80 Aster 30 and 40 Aster 15 were purchased for France's {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}}s under a separate programme.<ref name=Francebudget2012 />

In January 2023, the Italian and French Minister of Defense signed with MBDA a $2 billion contract for the purchase of 700 Aster missiles.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-italy-buy-close-700-aster-missiles-2023-01-30/|title=France and Italy to buy close to 700 Aster missiles|website=Reuters |date=30 January 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://babel.ua/en/news/89888-media-italy-and-france-agreed-to-order-700-aster-30-missiles-for-the-samp-t-air-defense-system-promised-to-ukraine|title=Media: Italy and France agreed to order 700 Aster-30 missiles for the SAMP/T air defense system promised to Ukraine|date=28 January 2023|website=babel.ua|accessdate=7 August 2023}}</ref>

In January 2026, the Royal Navy began to study the feasibility of integrating Aster-30 into the Mk41 VLS.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mk41 Integration Study - Find a Tender|url=https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/008652-2026|website=www.find-tender.service.gov.uk|access-date=2026-01-31}}</ref>

==Characteristics== There are two versions of the Aster missile family, the short-medium range version, the Aster 15, and the long range version, the Aster 30. The missile bodies are identical. Their difference in range and intercept speed is because Aster 30 uses a much larger booster. Total masses of the Aster 15 and Aster 30 are {{cvt|310|kg}} and {{cvt|450|kg}} respectively.<ref name="MBDA PDF">{{Cite web |url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511001439/http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/aster_ds.pdf |url-status=dead |title=ASTER ANTI-MISSILE MISSILE |publisher=MBDA MISSILE SYSTEMS |archivedate=11 May 2012}}</ref>

The Aster 15 is {{cvt|4.2|m|ftin}} long, rising to just under {{cvt|5|m|ftin}} for the Aster 30. Aster 15 has a diameter of {{cvt|180|mm}}.<ref name="MBDA PDF" /> Given the larger dimensions of the Aster 30, a naval-based system requires the longer tubes of the Sylver A50 or A70 vertical launching system (VLS). The American Mark 41 Vertical Launching System can accommodate Aster 30.

===Variants=== thumb|Aster 30 Block 1NT shown on the right. * '''Aster 15''': Short- to medium-range surface-to-air missile * '''Aster 15 EC''': New version of the Aster 15 with twice the range (>60 km); under development as of 2023 and expected to be introduced in 2030<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-20 |title=Aster 15 : MBDA développe une nouvelle version de son tueur de missiles {{!}} Mer et Marine |url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/defense/aster-15-mbda-developpe-une-nouvelle-version-de-son-tueur-de-missiles |access-date=2024-02-26 |website=www.meretmarine.com |language=fr}}</ref> * '''Aster 30 Block 0''': Medium- to long-range surface-to-air missile. It can pull manoeuvres in excess of 50''g''.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Sweetman |first1=Bill |last2=Cook |first2=Nick |title=Getting to grips with missile defence |magazine=Interavia Business & Technology |date= April 1999 |volume=54 |issue=630 |pages=35 |issn=1423-3215}}</ref> * '''Aster 30 Block 1''': Variant with anti-ballistic missile capability; tailored to counter {{cvt|600|km}}-class short-range ballistic missiles.<ref name="SAMP/T"/> * '''Aster 30 Block 1NT''': NT standing for "New Technology", it is a new variant of the Aster 30 designed to counter short and {{cvt|1500|km}}-class medium-range ballistic missiles.<ref name=MBDAspec>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/aster-family_background-1402652367.pdf |title= MBDA Press Information June 2014: The Aster Missile Family |access-date=26 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330142007/http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/aster-family_background-1402652367.pdf |archive-date=30 March 2015}}</ref> * '''Aster 30 Block 2 BMD''': Anti-ballistic missile under development and intended to counter up to {{cvt|3000|km}}-class ballistic and maneuvering missiles. Following a lack of information surrounding the variant, development is considered to have ceased.

The Aster 30 Block 1 is used on the Eurosam SAMP/T system operated by the French Air and Space Force and the Italian Army.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eurosam.com/ground.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629091805/http://www.eurosam.com/ground.html |url-status=dead |title=ASTER – SAMP/T |archivedate=29 June 2012}}</ref> In 2015, France launched the development of the Block 1NT variant, a programme Italy would join in 2016.<ref name=MBDAspec /> The same year, the United Kingdom showed interest in acquiring the Block 1NT version for its Type 45 destroyers currently operating the Block 0.<ref>{{cite book |title=UK-France Summit: Annex on security and defence |date=3 March 2016 |publisher=gov.uk |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/505177/UKFRS_security_and_defence_final_2_March.pdf |access-date=5 August 2016}}</ref> In 2022, the United Kingdom announced a series of upgrades to its Type 45 destroyers. This included the implementation of the Block 1 version for anti-ship ballistic missile defense.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Type 45 Ballistic Missile Defence upgrade to support more than 100 UK jobs |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/type-45-ballistic-missile-defence-upgrade-to-support-more-than-100-uk-jobs |access-date=2022-05-24 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>

== Production ramp-up ==

In December 2024, during a hearing before the French National Assembly, the Delegate General for Armament, Emmanuel Chiva, announced a significant increase in annual production of Aster missiles, across all variants (Aster 15, Aster 30, Aster 30 B1 NT). Whereas the production forecast for 2025 had originally been capped at 32 missiles, a "tiger team"—a tightly coordinated group involving the DGA, industry and the military staff—has enabled a ramp-up to an estimated 80–100 units. The stated objective is to reach a sustained production rate of over 300 Aster missiles per year by 2028.<ref>National Assembly of France, Defense Committee hearing of Emmanuel_Chiva, Delegate General for Armament, 6 December 2024. [https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/17/comptes-rendus/cion_def/l17cion_def2425028_compte-rendu]</ref>

==Deployment== ===Naval systems===

==== French Navy ==== Current ships:

* 1 × {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle}} (4 × Sylver A43 with 8 × Aster 15 each) * 2 × {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}} (6 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 4 × {{sclass|Aquitaine|frigate}} (FR-ASW) (2 × Sylver A43 with 8 × Aster 15 each, 2 × Sylver A70 with up to 8 × Aster 30 each) * 2 × {{sclass|Aquitaine|frigate}} (FR-ASW) (2 × Sylver A50 and 2 × Sylver A70 with up to 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 2 × {{sclass|Aquitaine|frigate}} (FR-AAW) (4 × Sylver A50 with up to 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each)

Future ships:

* 3 × ''Amiral Ronarc’h'' class (FDI) (2 × Sylver A50 with up to 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 2 × ''Amiral Ronarc’h'' class (FDI) (4 × Sylver A50 with up to 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 1 × {{ship|French aircraft carrier|France Libre}}

==== Italian Navy ==== thumb|Italian {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}}, {{ship|Italian destroyer|Caio Duilio|D 554|2}} equipped with Aster 15 and 30 missilesCurrent ships:

* 1 × {{ship|Italian aircraft carrier|Cavour}} (4 × Sylver A43 with 8 × Aster 15 each) * 1 × {{ship|Italian landing helicopter dock|Trieste}} (2 × Sylver A50 with up to 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 2 × {{sclass|Orizzonte|frigate}} (6 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 4 × ''{{sclass|Bergamini|frigate}}'' (IT-GP) (2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 4 × ''{{sclass|Bergamini|frigate}}'' (IT-ASW) (2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 2 × ''{{sclass|Bergamini|frigate}}'' (IT-GP-e) (2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 7 × {{sclass|Thaon di Revel|offshore patrol vessel}} (2 × Sylver A70 with 8 × MdCN / Aster 15 / Aster 30 each)

Future ships:

* 2 × ''DDX'' guided missile destroyer (12 × Sylver A50 and A70 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 2 × ''{{sclass|Bergamini|frigate}}'' (IT-FREMM-EVO) (2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each + 1 × Sylver A70 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30) * 2 × {{sclass|Thaon di Revel|offshore patrol vessel}} (2 × Sylver A70 with 8 × MdCN / Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 8 × ''MMPC'' class (1 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each)

==== Royal Navy (UK) ==== Current ships: * 6 × ''Type 45-''class destroyer (6 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 30 each) Note: the Type 45 got new silos to launch 24 × CAMM missiles, which replace the Aster 15 in their role, and the Sylver A50 can be equipped with only Aster 30 missiles (all gens).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Richard |date=2025-02-11 |title=UK contract for Aster 30 missiles “expected imminently” says MoD |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/uk-contract-for-aster-30-missiles-expected-imminently-says-mod/ |access-date=2026-03-31 |website=Naval Technology |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Algerian National Navy ==== Current ships: * 1 × {{ship|Algerian amphibious transport dock|Kalaat Béni Abbès}} (2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 each)

==== Egyptian Navy ==== Current ships:

* 1 × {{sclass|Aquitaine|frigate}} (FR-ASW) (2 × Sylver A43 with 8 × Aster 15 each) * 2 × ''{{sclass|Bergamini|frigate}}'' (IT-GP) (2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each)

==== Hellenic Navy ==== Current ships:

* 1 × {{sclass|Kimon|frigate}} (''FDI-''class) (3 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each)

Future ships:

* 3 × {{sclass|Kimon|frigate}} (''FDI-''class) (3 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 1 × ''{{sclass|Bergamini|frigate}}'' (IT-GP) (2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each) * 1 × ''{{sclass|Bergamini|frigate}}'' (IT-ASW) (2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each)

==== Moroccan Navy ==== Current ships:

* 1 × {{ship|Moroccan frigate|Mohammed VI }} (FREMM FR-ASW) (2 × Sylver A43 with 8 × Aster 15 each)

==== Qatari Navy ==== Current ships:

* 1 × {{ship|Qatari amphibious transport dock|Al Fulk}} (2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 30 each) * 4 × ''Al Zubarah''-class frigate (2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 30 each)

==== Republic of Singapore Navy ==== Current ships:

* 6 × {{sclass|Formidable|frigate|1}} (''La Fayette''-class) (2 × Sylver A43 with 8 × Aster 15 each and 2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 30 each)

Future ships:

* 6 × ''Victory'' class (''evolved arrowhead'' class) (2 × Sylver A50 with 8 × Aster 15 / Aster 30 each and 2 × Sylver A70 with 8 × Aster 30 each)

==== Saudi Arabian Navy ==== Current ships:

* 3 × ''Al Riyadh''-class frigate (''La Fayette''-class) (2 × Sylver A43 with 8 × Aster 15 each)

===Land systems=== thumb|The "radar module" of the SAMP/T Ground-based air defence system The Aster 30 has been incorporated by Eurosam into a mobile SAM system, fulfilling the ground-based theatre air defence/protection requirement. It comes in the form of the '''Sol-Air Moyenne-Portée/Terrestre''' (French for "Surface-to-Air Medium-Range/Land-based"), abbreviated as '''SAMP/T'''. The system uses a network of radars and sensors – including 3D phased array radar – enabling it to be effective against various air threats such as aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, standoff missiles, cruise missiles or anti-radiation missiles.<ref name="SAMP/T"/>

The SAMP/T uses an upgraded version of the '''Arabel''' long range radar, developed under the Aster 30 Block 1 upgrade program, in order to extend the system's capability against higher speed and higher altitude targets. The Aster 30 Block 1 can intercept missiles with a {{cvt|600|km}} range (short-range ballistic missiles).<ref name="SAMP/T">{{cite web|title=Eurosam: Ground-launched systems|url=http://www.eurosam.com/products/ground-launched-systems/|website=www.eurosam.com|publisher=Eurosam|access-date=5 August 2016|archive-date=10 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210192710/http://www.eurosam.com/products/ground-launched-systems/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

SAMP/T NG uses either the Kronos Grand Mobile High Power or the Ground Fire 300 AESA radars. SAMP/T NG will be delivered from 2025.<ref>{{cite web | title=Ground Systems Solution | url=https://eurosam.com/ground-systems/ }}</ref>

==Operational history== [[File:Italian Army - 4th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment "Peschiera" SAMPT missile launch.jpg|thumb|Italian Army – 4th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment "Peschiera" firing a SAMP/T Aster missile]]

===Testing=== *In April 2008, RSS ''Intrepid'', a {{sclass|Formidable|frigate|1}} of the Republic of Singapore Navy, shot down an aerial drone off the French port of Toulon during a naval exercise. Then again in 2010, a frigate of the same class, RSS ''Supreme'' fired an Aster 15 and shot down an aerial drone off the coast of Hawaii as part of exercise RIMPAC 2010. The RSN conducted 6 successful live-firings of the Aster missile over 11 years. *Beginning with {{HMS|Dauntless|D33|6}} in September 2010, all of the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers have successfully intercepted Mirach drones with Aster missiles at the Benbecula ranges off the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Mirach is a {{cvt|13|ft}} jet which flies at speeds of up to {{cvt|600|mph}} at altitudes as low as {{cvt|10|ft}} or as high as {{cvt|39,000|ft|km}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=HMS Daring fires Sea Viper for first time|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-daring-fires-sea-viper-for-first-time|access-date=5 August 2016|agency=Ministry of Defence|publisher=gov.uk|date=19 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=HMS Diamond fires Sea Viper missile for first time|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-diamond-fires-sea-viper-missile-for-first-time|access-date=5 August 2016|agency=Ministry of Defence|publisher=gov.uk|date=1 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Defender ready to live up to her name after successful first Sea Viper firing|url=https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/10525|access-date=5 August 2016|agency=Navy News|publisher=navynews.co.uk|date=16 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017202909/https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/10525|archive-date=17 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> *In December 2011, an Aster 30 missile downed an Israeli ''Black Sparrow'' ballistic missile target, the first time an Aster missile had attempted such an engagement.<ref name="Aster 30 hit BM">{{cite web|url=http://www.marianne.net/blogsecretdefense/Une-premiere-en-France-un-missile-intercepte-par-un-antimissile-Aster_a442.html|title=Une première en France : un missile intercepté par un antimissile Aster|date=1 December 2011|work=marianne.net|access-date=4 August 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816203205/http://www.marianne.net/blogsecretdefense/Une-premiere-en-France-un-missile-intercepte-par-un-antimissile-Aster_a442.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> *In April 2012, the {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}}, {{ship|French frigate|Forbin||2}}, of the French Navy downed a target simulating a sea-skimming supersonic anti-ship cruise missile flying at an altitude of less than 5 metres. It was the first time a European missile defence system destroyed a supersonic sea-skimming missile. The trial was described as a complex operational scenario.<ref name="Aster 30 hits sea-skimming target at supersonic speeds"/> *In 2021, during the Exercise At-Sea Demo: Formidable Shield 2021, the Horizon-class frigate ''Forbin'', intercepted a supersonic sea skimming target flying at more than 3000 km/h using an Aster 30 missile.<ref>{{cite news|title=French Navy Horizon Air Defense Destroyer Intercepts Supersonic Target|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/05/french-navy-horizon-air-defense-destroyer-intercepts-supersonic-target/|access-date=14 June 2021|publisher=Naval News|date=May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The French FS Forbin destroys a supersonic target with a combat loaded Aster 30 fire during At-Sea Demo/Formidable Shield 2021|url=https://sfn.nato.int/newsroom/2021/the-french-fs-forbin-destroys-a-supersonic-target-with-a-combat-loaded-aster-30-fire-during-atsea-demoformidable-shield-2021/|access-date=14 June 2021|publisher=Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO|date=28 May 2021}}</ref> * In Oct 2025, French frigate Alsace shot down a modified MICA air to air missile launched by the Rafale M jet using an Aster 30 missile.<ref>{{Cite web |title=French Navy frigate intercepts supersonic threat with MBDA’s Aster 30 missile |url=Https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/french-navy-frigate-intercepts-supersonic-threat-with-mbdas-aster-30-missile}}</ref>

===Russian invasion of Ukraine=== In May 2023, Italian newspaper {{lang|it|La Stampa}} reported that France and Italy had jointly delivered a SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=French-Italian SAMP-T air defense system arrives in Ukraine |url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/french-italian-samp-t-air-defense-system-arrives-in-ukraine-news-50324710.html |date=2023-05-16 |website=nv.ua}}</ref> In June 2024, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that Italy would be sending a second SAMP/T system to Ukraine. The date of arrival was not announced.<ref name="kyiv independent"/> On 11 March 2025, Ukrainian Air Force Colonel Yurii Ihnat claimed that the SAMP/T had downed a Russian Sukhoi military aircraft, among other targets. He did not provide any further details.<ref>{{Cite web |title=У Повітряних силах розповіли про збиття російського літака Су комплексом SAMP/T |lang=uk |url=https://suspilne.media/967931-u-povitranih-silah-rozpovili-pro-zbitta-rosijskogo-litaka-su-kompleksom-sampt/ |last1=Богданьок |first1=Олена |date=2025-03-11 |website=Suspilne |last2=Галка |first2=Нікіта}}</ref>{{unreliable source|date=July 2025}} In March 2025, according to the {{lang|it|Corriere della Sera}}, Ukraine had practically run out of Aster missiles and was asking Italy and France for replenishment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Le batterie Samp-T sono senza missili, gli ucraini premono su Italia e Francia |lang=it |url=https://www.corriere.it/off-the-record-giuseppe-sarcina/25_marzo_14/batterie-samp-t-ucraina-senza-missili-6ad24894-c57f-4c01-a11d-de8cdbbb1xlk.shtml |last=Sarcina |first=Giuseppe |date=2025-03-14 |website=Corriere della Sera}}</ref>

===Red Sea crisis=== In 2024, during Operation Aspides, it is likely that the French Navy utilised Aster 30 to intercept three Houthi ballistic missiles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |date=2024-03-21 |title=French Navy Air Defense FREMM Intercepts 3 Ballistic Missiles |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/03/french-navy-air-defense-fremm-intercepts-3-ballistic-missiles/ |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref> The missile was also likely used by the Royal Navy to down another Houthi ballistic missile in April 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=HMS Diamond makes first Sea Viper anti-ballistic missile kill in action in the Red Sea |url=https://www.navylookout.com/hms-diamond-makes-first-sea-viper-anti-ballistic-missile-kill-in-action-in-the-red-sea/ |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=Navy Lookout |date=25 April 2024}}</ref>

==Operators== thumb|300px|{{legend|#0b60d4|Current operators}} [[File:Singapore Navy guided-missile frigate RSS Steadfast.jpg|thumb|RSS ''Steadfast'', a {{sclass|Formidable|frigate|1}} of the Republic of Singapore Navy, equipped with Aster 15/30]] [[File:The MBDA Aster 30 of the Republic of Singapore Air Force.jpg|thumb|The MBDA Aster 30 of the Republic of Singapore Air Force displayed in Singapore Air Show 2020]]

=== Current operators === ==== Naval surface-to-air missile ==== ; {{flag|Algeria}} : Algerian National Navy<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1985%5B/rtl |title=Italian shipyard Fincantieri delivered amphibious ship Kalaat Beni-Abbes to Algerian Navy |last=Administrator |work=navyrecognition.com |access-date=4 August 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807033714/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1985%5B%2Frtl |archive-date=7 August 2016 }}</ref> ; {{flag|Egypt}} : Egyptian Navy<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-naval-defense/naval-defense-2015/dcns-transfered-the-fremm-frigate-tahya-misr-to-the-egyptian-navy |title= DCNS {{sic|Transfer|ed|nolink=y}} the FREMM Frigate Tahya Misr to the Egyptian Navy |date= 24 June 2015 |language= en}}</ref> ; {{flag|France}} : French Navy ; {{flag|Greece}} : Hellenic Navy – Aster 30 B1 for ''Kimon''-class frigates ; {{flag|Italy}} : Italian Navy ; {{flag|Morocco}} : Royal Moroccan Navy ; {{flag|Qatar}} : Qatar Navy<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fincantieri.it/cms/data/browse/news/000751.aspx|title=16/06/2016|work=fincantieri.it|access-date=4 August 2016}}</ref> ; {{flag|Saudi Arabia}} : Royal Saudi Navy ; {{flag|Singapore}} : Republic of Singapore Navy ; {{flag|United Kingdom}} : Royal Navy

==== SAMP/T surface-to-air missile ==== ; {{flag|France}} : French Air and Space Force ; {{flag|Italy}} : Italian Army : Italian Air Force<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/july/9099-strengthening-air-defense-italian-air-force-acquires-samp-t-ng-missile-system.html|title=Strengthening Air Defense: Italian Air Force Acquires SAMP/T NG Missile System|website=airrecognition.com|accessdate=7 August 2023}}</ref> ; {{flag|Singapore}} : Republic of Singapore Air Force ; {{flag|Ukraine}} : One SAMP/T battery delivered jointly by France and Italy in 2023. The future delivery of another battery by Italy was announced in June 2024. Delivery of an additional battery was announced in May 2025.<ref name="kyiv independent">{{cite news |title=Italy to send Ukraine second SAMP/T air defense system, foreign minister confirms|url=https://kyivindependent.com/italy-to-send-ukraine-second-samp-t-air-defence-system-foreign-minister-confirms/ |access-date=4 June 2024 |author=Chris York |work=The Kyiv Independent |date=3 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Future operators === ==== SAMP/T surface-to-air missile ==== ; {{flag|Denmark}} : Danish Defence – on 12 September 2025 it was announced that Denmark would acquire SAMP/T systems.<ref>{{cite web|title=Forsvarsforligskredsen enige om historisk investering i jordbaserede luft- og missilforsvarssystemer|url=https://www.fmn.dk/da/nyheder/2025/forsvarsforligskredsen-enige-om-historisk-investering-i-jordbaserede-luft--og-missilforsvarssystemer/|date=12 September 2025|access-date=12 September 2025|website=Forsvarsministeriet|language=da}}</ref>

===Potential operators=== ; {{flag|Turkey}} : Turkish Air Force – In January 2018, a contract was signed during a state visit by the President of Turkey in Paris for a project with Eurosam for a future Long Range Air and Missile Defense System (LORAMIDS) for a period of 18 months where Turkish companies Roketsan and Aselsan would participate in the joint-production of the missile system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2018-01-10/turkey-buys-russia-also-mulls-european-missile-systems|title=Turkey Buys from Russia; also Mulls European Missile Systems|date=2021-01-10|work=ainonline.com}}</ref> It was stated that the SAMP/T air defense system project, which was stopped at the end of 2019 due to Turkey's launch of Operation Peace Spring in Syria, came to the agenda at the NATO Summit, and that Turkey, France and Italy would revive the project.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haber7 |title=Türkiye, Fransa ve İtalya'dan SAMP-T projesini yeniden canlandırma hamlesi |url= https://www.haber7.com/dunya/haber/3206354-turkiye-fransa-ve-italyadan-samp-t-projesini-yeniden-canlandirma-hamlesi |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=Haber7 |language=tr}}</ref>{{update after|2022|10|10}} ; {{flag|Slovakia}} : Slovak Air Force – Ministry of Defence of Slovak Republic is now negotiating and comparing offers for MRAD systems from Israeli companies, American–Norwegian NASAMS and French Aérospatiales SAMP/T system. Systems will replace old Soviet 2K12 Kub systems. Systems should be acquired in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Teraz.sk |date=2024-06-20 |title=Kaliňák: Vláda intenzívne rokuje o ponukách na protivzdušnú obranu |url=https://www.teraz.sk/slovensko/nrsr-kalinak-vlada-intenzivne-roku/803416-clanok.html |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=TERAZ.sk |language=sk}}</ref> ; {{flag|Croatia}} : Croatian Air Force – In a decisive strategic initiative to fortify its national air and missile defense capabilities, the Republic of Croatia is evaluating the SAMP/T NG missile defense system, outfitted with Aster 30 B1 NT missiles. This procurement would underscore Croatia's proactive efforts to bolster its military infrastructure amidst dynamically evolving global security challenges.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/croatia-wants-to-purchase-30-french-caesar-self-propelled-howitzers-by-the-end-of-2025|title=Croatia is also exploring long-range air defense options, with the French Aster SAMP/T NG|date=2025-03-26|work=armyrecognition.com}}</ref> ; {{flag|Sweden}} : Sweden has expressed interest in acquiring the Aster 30 air defense system from France to equip its new Luleå-class surface combatants. These vessels, currently under development, are intended to enhance the Swedish Navy’s capabilities in anti-air warfare and are expected to complement the existing Visby-class corvettes.<ref>{{cite web | title=Försvarsministern om Saab-avtalet: "Ett genombrott" | date=18 June 2025 | url=https://www.di.se/nyheter/forsvarsministern-om-saab-avtalet-ett-genombrott/ }}</ref>

==See also== * Anti-aircraft warfare * Anti-ballistic missile * Comparison of anti-ballistic missile systems * List of missiles * Surface-to-air missile * ForceShield, French integrated system of Air Defence * PAAMS, joint programme developed by France, Italy, and the United Kingdom for an integrated anti-aircraft warfare system

{{Div col |colwidth=22em}} * {{lwc|Barak 8}} * {{lwc|CAMM (missile family)|CAMM}} * {{lwc|Hisar (missile family)}} * {{lwc|HQ-9}} * {{lwc|KM-SAM}} * {{lwc|L-SAM}} * {{lwc|MIM-104 Patriot}} * {{lwc|PAAMS}} * {{lwc|RIM-161 Standard Missile 3}} * {{lwc|RIM-162 ESSM}} * {{lwc|RIM-174 Standard ERAM}} * {{lwc|RIM-66 Standard}} * {{lwc|RIM-67 Standard}} * {{lwc|S-300 missile system}} * {{lwc|S-400 missile system}} * {{lwc|S-500 missile system}} * {{lwc|Tor missile system}} * {{lwc|Type 03 Chū-SAM}} * {{lwc|Khordad 15 (air defense system)}} {{div col end}}

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20140412095838/http://www.armyrecognition.com/france_french_army_vehicle_missile_systems_uk/samp_t_mamba_aster_30_surface-to-air_defense_missile_system_technical_data_sheet_pictures_video.html SAMP/T Aster 30 Mamba Surface-to-air defence missile system] (armyrecognition.com) * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfhoGKmD68g Video – HMS Diamond fires Aster 30 missile], 2012 * [https://web.archive.org/web/20151210123628/http://www.mbda-systems.com/products/maritime-superiority/aster-paams-saam/59-2/ MBDA Aster 15 & 30 PAAMS] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090926072020/http://www.mbda-systems.com/mbda/site/ref/scripts/siteFO_contenu.php?lang=EN&noeu_id=87&page_id=117 MBDA Aster 15 SAAM] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110928163120/http://www.eurosam.com/naval.html Eurosam Aster page] * {{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/database/d7/asset/document/SAMP-T.pdf |title=Air Defence Weapon System SAMP/T |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901183540/https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/database/d7/asset/document/SAMP-T.pdf |archive-date=2021-09-01 |url-status=live}} * {{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/samp-t |title=SAMP-T |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901183510/https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/samp-t |archive-date=2021-09-01 |url-status=live}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aster (Missile Family)}} Category:21st-century surface-to-air missiles Category:Naval surface-to-air missiles Category:Naval surface-to-air missiles of France Category:Anti-ballistic missiles of France Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2000s Category:Surface-to-surface missiles of France