France, Italy and the UK accelerate production of Aster missiles: 200 more missiles to be purchased
On 11 March, the Organisation for the Co-operation in Defence and Security (OCCAr) notified the Eurosam consortium of a further amendment to the support and enhancement contract under the FSAF-PAAMS programme, which brings together France, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Here's What We Know
The amendment provides for accelerating and increasing the production of land and sea-based air defence systems in service with these countries. In particular, it is planned to supply Aster 30 B1NT and Aster 15 missiles, which are used in the SAMP/T NG system, as well as in the navies of France and the UK, in the short term.
Aster is a family of air defence missiles developed by the MBDA consortium to intercept air, ballistic and surface threats. It includes the Aster 15 and Aster 30 models, which differ in range. The Aster 15 is designed for short and medium-range (up to 30 km), while the Aster 30 is capable of destroying targets at a distance of up to 120 km. Both missiles are equipped with an active radar homing head and a unique PIF-PAF flight control system, which provides high manoeuvrability.
The Aster 30 surface-to-air missile. Illustration: Akela Freedom
Back in April 2024, the French and Italian defence ministers discussed accelerating the development of the SAMP/T programme and the production of Aster 30 and Aster 15 missiles. The goal was to reduce the production time from 42 to 18 months and increase production by 50% by 2026.
On 14 March, the French Ministry of Defence announced the signing of the relevant OCCAr contract, which provides not only for the accelerated delivery of missiles already ordered, but also for the additional purchase of 218 Aster units. The contract also provides for the delivery of 134 more missiles between 2025 and 2026, which was made possible by the adaptation of production processes by MBDA and its subcontractors.
French Defence Minister Sébastien Le Coronneu has personally made efforts to speed up production, using police administrative powers for the first time to force MBDA suppliers to prioritise military orders.
Source: Opex360