On 30 July, the French defence procurement agency, Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), conducted a second successful test launch of the Aster B1 NT missile at its Biscarosse site. The test confirmed the missile’s performance at long range—over 150 km—and high altitude, beyond 25 km, incorporating a new Ka-band seeker, innovative radome, and upgrades to pyrotechnic and electronic systems.
Aster B1 NT is the latest development in the Franco-Italian programme managed by OCCAR on behalf of both nations and led by eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales. Designed as a long-term backbone of European air defence, it provides capability against the most advanced threats, including highly manoeuvrable and hypersonic weapons.
The missile will strengthen national defences in France, the UK, and Italy, safeguarding key strategic assets on land and at sea. It also plays a central role in SAMP/T NG, Europe’s only multi-layered air defence system with autonomous capabilities against ballistic missiles.
On 23 July, MBDA delivered its first batch of Aster missiles from the fast-tracked production schedule, less than two and a half years after the order was placed. This delivery, part of a joint OCCAR-led acquisition with eurosam, demonstrates MBDA’s ability to significantly reduce production lead times.
MBDA confirmed it will cut Aster production time in 2026 by more than half compared to 2022, and deliver five times more missiles than initially planned in 2025. This outcome reflects the results of strategic investment and cooperation with customers and partners to address production demands.
The Aster missile is in operational use with Italian, French, and British forces, proving its effectiveness in locations such as the Red Sea and Ukraine. Its continued deployment enhances NATO’s collective air defence and reinforces Europe’s resilience against evolving threats.
Source: MBDA.
