France, Italy, UK Order More Aster Missiles, Accelerate Deliveries

France, Italy, and the UK have agreed to order 218 additional Aster missiles and to accelerate the delivery of those previously ordered.

The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) signed the agreement with MBDA and EUROSAM on behalf of the three nations’ defense procurement agencies.

The contract includes the production of Aster 30 B1 missiles for France and Italy’s SAMP/T NG and naval defense systems for the three nations, as well as Aster 15 missiles for the French Navy.

With the new order, “OCCAR reinforces the European missile industry supported by MBDA and major European actors like Thales, Avio, KNDS Ammo,” the French Ministry for Armed Forces stated in a press release.

Meanwhile, efforts to accelerate production under a deal signed in 2022 are to “meet the challenges of a wartime economy.”

Moreover, the initiative “underscores the unwavering commitment of France, Italy and the UK to bolster their air defense capabilities,” the French Ministry for Armed Forces added.

Aster Missiles

The Aster 30 and Aster 15 are two-stage missiles — comprising the main body and a booster — designed with a common terminal vector and accelerators.

The Aster 15 is built to counter mass missile attacks, fighter jets, and slow-moving aircraft such as maritime patrol or airborne early warning planes.

The Aster 30 features a more powerful booster, providing a longer thrust duration, which enables it to engage targets at greater distances, including both conventional and ballistic threats.