A second ASTER B1 New Technology missile (ASTER B1NT), developed by eurosam, was successfully launched at DGA Essais de Missiles test range, in presence of representatives of the three participating states (France, Italy and UK) of the historical trilateral Air Defence FSAF-PAAMS cooperation managed by OCCAR.
EUROSAM press release
After the first successful firing in October 2024, this second firing validated the long range capability of the missile. The ASTER B1NT missile is indeed able to intercept target up to a very longer range (class 150 km) and higher altitude thanks to several improvements implemented in this new generation of the ASTER family. This new successful firing contributes to the qualification of the Long Range capability of the SAMP/T NG system, with the demonstration of the enhanced operational capacities of the new ASTER B1NT missile which will allow to intercept more difficult aerial and missiles targets in terms of range, manoeuvrability, furtivity or speed.
This firing is a great achievement for the bilateral ASTER B1NT and SAMP/T NG programmes managed by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) for France and Italy. Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of eurosam, MBDA and Thales teams, OCCAR, and experts from the two Nations – in particular from DGA and Segredifesa / DNA – this success is an important step forward for the development of these new cutting-edge Air Defence assets. These assets will be delivered to the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (French Air and Space Force), the Esercito Italiano (Italian Army) and the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force).
The ASTER B1NT missile will also be integrated on other naval programmes managed by eurosam and OCCAR for the two Nations like the Mid-Life Update of Horizon Frigates.
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About Horizon air defense destroyers MLU program
Naviris, the 50/50 owned joint venture by Fincantieri and Naval Group, has signed in 2020 a contract with OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) for a feasibility study on the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of the four Horizon type Air Defense Destroyers. During the Paris Air Show 2023, France and Italy signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the mid-life update (MLU) of the four vessels. The contract was signed by OCCAR, NAVIRIS and EUROSAM in July 2023.
The two Navies’ Horizon-class combat system MLU common activities are centered on the introduction of a new generation air and missile surveillance and defense system collectively called Principal Anti-Air Missile System New Generation (PAAMS NG) & Long-Range Radar (LRR) and a new EW suite.
Naval News understands that both countries have agreed on the following regarding the upgrade of the radar systems: The EMPAR (European Multifunction Phased Array Radar) rotating C band multifunction passive electronically scanned array radar currently fitted with be replaced with the Kronos Grand Naval by Leonardo (while initially France was pitching the rotating SeaFire by Thales). The legacy SMART L long range radar will make place for the newer and much improved SMART L MM by Thales (while initially Italy was pitching the Kronos Power Shield by Leonardo). The EW suite will be modernized by Thales and Elettronica. The new combat management system aboard the ltalian ships will be the Athena / SADOC Mk 4 by Leonardo while the French vessels will be upgrade with the SETIS by Naval Group.
About ASTER B1 NT
The MLU program includes the adoption of the new ASTER B1NT surface to air missile by MBDA which is set to bring Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability. ASTER B1 NT will intercept short-range or ballistic missiles having a range of up to 1,500 km. While initial deliveries are for to the land-based SAMP/T systems (of the French and Italian Army), the missile is set to eventually be deployed aboard air defense destroyers of the UK (Type 45), France and Italy (Horizon type). Studies for the integration of Aster 30 B1 NT missiles aboard the Forbin-class (to provide them with Ballistic Missile Defence BMD capability) are provisioned in the 2019-2025 French military planning law.
BMD and counter-hypersonics
During a recent visit to MBDA headquarters in France, Naval News learned that the new missile is designed to counter new missile threats in the naval domain, such as the Russian 3M22 Zircon and Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles (so called “first generation hypersonic weapon systems”), and the Chinese DF-21D (CSS-5 Mod-4) Anti-ship ballistic missile. According to MBDA and DGA experts working on the program, the ASTER B1 NT is fitted with anti-decoy algorithms allowing it to discriminate between decoys and actual missile targets. It is the only European missile fitted with a Ka band seeker. While the detection cone of Ka band seekers is narrower, this band brings improved resolution which is key when dealing with hypersonics or conduction ballistic missile defense (BMD) missions. Ka band usually has shorter range but MBDA actually managed to increase its range by adapting the beam shape accordingly.
Over 100 operational ASTER firings
To date, the MBDA ASTER family of missiles has over 250 successful firing, including 100+ operational firings in Ukraine and in the Red Sea. In the Red Sea theatre, the French Navy alone has fired over 20 ASTER missiles, according to Admiral Defougère, head of Marine Nationale’s planning and programs.
