MBDA has delivered the first batch of Aster air defense missiles to Italy as part of a 2-billion-euro ($2.29-billion) contract signed in late 2022.
Both Italy and France signed the deal for the delivery of 700 missiles.
Originally scheduled for 2026, the delivery was expedited through accelerated production measures by the MBDA-Thales consortium Eurosam in response to heightened security concerns in Europe.
An additional order of 218 Aster missiles was placed by the two countries and the UK earlier this year.
“The delivery of the first Aster missiles that benefited from significantly reduced production times is a success for all MBDA teams,” CEO of MBDA Eric Béranger said.
“It demonstrates our commitment to working alongside our customers to ensure the ramp-up of our industrial facilities and the strengthening of our defence industrial and technological base.
This acceleration will provide Italian, French and British armed forces with essential air defence systems to protect European skies, as demonstrated by the use of Aster in the Red Sea and Ukraine, and increase NATO’s defence capabilities.”
The Contract
The contract covers the delivery of four Aster versions: Aster 30 B1 New Technology (NT), Aster 30 B1, Aster 30 B, and Aster 15 medium-range missiles.
The faster and more maneuverable NT is for the SAMP/T NG air defense systems of the French Air Force, Italian Army, Italian Air Force, and the Italian Navy’s Horizon frigates.
The Aster 30 B1 is for the Italian Air Force, while the Aster 30 and Aster 15 have been procured for the French and Italian navies.
Aster Missile
The Aster is a family of vertically launched surface-to-air missiles, offering engagement ranges from 30 to 150 kilometers (19 to 93 miles).
The Aster 15 is designed to counter mass missile attacks and aircraft, while the more capable Aster 30 can counter ballistic missiles.
Primarily operated by France, Italy, and the UK, the missile forms a core component of the SAMP/T and PAAMS air defense systems.
