COLLEFERRO, ROME — Italian aerospace and defence company Avio S.p.A. has secured a production order worth more than €55 million from French defence group MBDA for components of the ASTER 30 air defence missile system.
Announced on October 28, 2026, the agreement covers the manufacture of solid rocket motors and aerodynamic surfaces under an existing framework agreement with MBDA. Production will take place at Avio’s facilities in Colleferro over a three-year period.
The new order follows a separate €35 million order placed by MBDA in June 2026 for similar components, reflecting continued demand for European air defence systems.
ASTER 30 Missile and Avio’s Role
The ASTER 30 is a long-range surface-to-air missile developed by Eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales. It is designed to intercept a range of airborne threats, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and certain ballistic missiles.
Depending on the variant, including the ASTER 30 B1 and B1NT, the missile has an operational range of approximately 120 to 150 kilometres. The B1NT variant is designed to address ballistic missile threats, including highly manoeuvring targets.
The missile uses a two-stage solid-propellant propulsion system, an active radar seeker and advanced guidance technology. It can reach speeds of approximately Mach 4.5 and uses aerodynamic control and direct thrust vector control for manoeuvrability.
Avio is responsible for manufacturing the first-stage booster, a key component of the missile’s propulsion system. The company uses a high-strength filament-wound case made from pre-impregnated carbon epoxy fibre with titanium inserts to withstand launch pressures.
ASTER 30 missiles are deployed on naval platforms through the Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS) and on land-based SAMP/T air defence batteries.
Avio Expands Defence Production
Avio stated that the new order reinforces its role in the European defence supply chain and its partnership with MBDA.
The company is continuing to expand its production capacity to meet increasing demand for advanced air and missile defence systems across Europe.
Headquartered in Colleferro, Avio specialises in solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion systems for space launchers and tactical missiles. The company employs more than 1,500 people and operates facilities in Italy, France, the United States and French Guiana.
Avio also serves as the prime contractor for the Vega launcher family and supplies solid rocket motors for several European missile programmes.
The latest MBDA order adds to Avio’s ongoing defence propulsion activities as European countries continue to invest in air and missile defence capabilities.
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