France, the United Kingdom, and Italy are set to bolster their air and missile defense capabilities with a fresh order of approximately 220 Aster-15 and Aster-30 missiles. We expect the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) to formally announce this acquisition next week. The contract will be awarded to Eurosam, a leading Franco-Italian defense consortium that comprises MBDA France, MBDA Italy, and Thales.
Strategic Expansion and Accelerated Production of Aster Missiles
This latest procurement follows a major contract from December 2022, when France and Italy commissioned Eurosam to produce around 700 Aster missiles. With demand increasing, MBDA has committed to reducing the production timeline for Aster missiles from 42 months in 2022 to under 18 months in 2026. The company also aims to boost overall missile output by 50%, a significant step in ensuring European nations maintain a high level of operational readiness.
Capabilities of the Aster Missile Family
Developed collaboratively between France and Italy, the Aster missile family is a cornerstone of modern European air defense. The Aster 15 is optimised for short- to medium-range engagements, covering approximately 30 kilometres.
Meanwhile, the Aster-30 variant extends this range to over 120 kilometres, offering enhanced interception capabilities and defense against short-range ballistic missiles. Both missiles employ a combination of inertial guidance and active radar homing, allowing them to neutralise various threats, from combat aircraft and drones to cruise and anti-ship missiles.
The Aster 30 Block-1 variant improves this ability with better seeker software and warheads that explode when close to the target, allowing them to effectively intercept ballistic threats up to 600 kilometres away.
Aster Missiles Integration into European Defence Platforms
The newly ordered Aster missiles will be deployed across multiple platforms in all three nations. France integrates these missiles into both naval and land-based systems. The French Navy equips Horizon-class frigates and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle with Aster missiles, while the Air and Space Force operates the SAMP/T system (known as MAMBA) for territorial defense.
Similarly, Italy’s Navy deploys the missiles on its Horizon-class frigates and the aircraft carrier Cavour. The Italian Army and Air Force use the SAMP/T system for national air defense, ensuring the country’s strategic assets remain protected.
The United Kingdom, a key stakeholder in the Aster programme, integrates Aster 30 missiles into its Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers. These warships play a critical role in safeguarding maritime operations by countering sophisticated aerial threats.The forthcoming order will enhance the UK’s existing defense systems, strengthening their ability to neutralise potential threats in contested waters.
Strategic Implications for European Defence
With increasing global tensions and evolving aerial threats, this acquisition represents a proactive measure to fortify Europe’s defense posture. The enhanced production capabilities of Eurosam will ensure that France, the UK, and Italy maintain a steady supply of cutting-edge missiles for air defence.
For France and Italy, the expansion of the SAMP/T systems means greater protection for military installations and civilian infrastructure. The UK’s reinforcement of Type 45 destroyers with additional Aster missiles will enhance maritime deterrence, particularly in contested regions.
Aster Missiles’ Track Record and Global Relevance
The Aster missile family has consistently demonstrated reliability and effectiveness. Since its development in the late 1980s, under the Franco-Italian Future Surface-to-Air Family (FSAF) program, it has undergone rigorous testing and operational evaluations.
The SAMP/T system entered service with the French and Italian armies in 2008, with successful test launches validating its capabilities. The Aster 30 Block 1 variant has been particularly effective in ballistic missile defense, with documented successes during test engagements. In June 2023, Italy provided a SAMP/T battery to Ukraine, showcasing the system’s export potential and relevance in modern conflicts.
Broader European Defence Strategy
This procurement aligns with broader European efforts to enhance defense spending and self-reliance in weapons manufacturing. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO member states have faced increasing pressure to improve their military readiness.
France, the UK, and Italy have prioritised air and missile defences, with OCCAR playing a pivotal role in streamlining joint armament programmes.The organisation, which includes Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, facilitates efficient collaboration between national defense agencies and industry partners, like Eurosam.
Delivered in 2025, the SAMP/T New Generation (NG) system showcases ongoing progress in the Aster programme. Featuring a 360-degree multifunction radar and an extended interception range of over 150 kilometres, this upgraded system will further cement its European air defense capabilities.
Looking Ahead
With the 220-missile order expected soon, focus will turn to how quickly it can be produced and deployed. Eurosam must meet the rapid delivery schedule while MBDA ramps up production at its Selles-Saint-Denis facility.
Britain’s participation in this deal strengthens the three nations’ shared commitment to European defense. As global security shifts, the Aster missile program remains vital for maintaining an edge in operations. These nations seek to safeguard resources and maintain strategic stability in uncertain times by investing in cutting-edge air defences.
References
- Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR)—www.occar.int
- MBDA Missile Systems—www.mbda-systems.com
- Thales Group – www.thalesgroup.com
- Eurosam Defence—www.eurosam.com
- French Ministry of Armed Forces – www.defense.gouv.fr
- UK Ministry of Defence—www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
- Italian Ministry of Defence – www.difesa.it
- NATO – www.nato.int
- Defense News—www.defensenews.com
- Jane’s Defence—www.janes.com
