The SAMP/T is France’s primary air defense system. Photo MDBA
France has announced the successful first test firing of the new Franco-Italian ASTER 30 B1 NT surface-to-air missile, as stated by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
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The missile will be integrated into the next-generation SAMP/T land-based air defense system, with operational entry expected in 2026.
This modern anti-aircraft missile system will be one of the pillars of France’s air defense. Additionally, the ASTER 30 B1 NT will be installed on the Italian Navy’s Horizon-class air defense destroyers starting in 2027 and on the French Navy’s destroyers after modernization, scheduled for 2030.
During the test, two aerial targets were launched, simulating a complex air defense scenario: an enemy fighter jet and an allied aircraft requiring protection. The ASTER 30 B1 NT demonstrated its ability to handle these threats, being designed to intercept short-range and ballistic missiles with a range of up to 1500 km.
The new missile is seen as a response to modern threats, including Russian hypersonic missiles 3M22 Zircon and Kh-47M2 Kinzhal. Equipped with advanced algorithms, the ASTER 30 B1 NT can distinguish between real and decoy targets, increasing defense efficiency.
MBDA, responsible for developing the missile, revealed that the ASTER family has already completed more than 250 successful launches, including operations in Ukraine and the Red Sea. In September, France signed a new contract for the production of seven additional SAMP/T NG missile systems, aiming to have 12 operational complexes by 2035. By 2027, France plans to order four more of these systems.
The ASTER 30 B1 NT is a key component of Europe’s air defense strategy, promising to effectively address new global threats.
Sources and images: mil.in.ua | X @SebLecornu. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
