ASTER B1NT Missile Successfully Demonstrates Long-Range Power, Strengthening SAMP/T NG Air Defence System

In a major milestone for European air defence, EUROSAM has successfully completed a second test firing of the ASTER B1 New Technology (ASTER B1NT) missile, confirming its long-range capabilities and bringing the SAMP/T NG air defence system one step closer to full qualification. The launch took place at the DGA Essais de Missiles test range in France, under the observation of defence representatives from France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the three nations involved in the long-standing FSAF-PAAMS air defence cooperation, managed by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation).

This second firing, following the first successful test in October 2024, demonstrated the missile’s capability to intercept threats at a range of up to 150 kilometers and at higher altitudes. The ASTER B1NT, developed by MBDA, features several enhancements over previous versions, including a new Ka-band seeker, improved algorithms for target discrimination, and increased agility—key traits for engaging advanced, high-speed, and stealth aerial threats, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

The test marks a crucial success for the joint ASTER B1NT and SAMP/T NG programs, which are being developed by EUROSAM for the French and Italian armed forces. The SAMP/T NG, an upgraded ground-based air defence system, will be deployed by both the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (French Air and Space Force) and the Italian Army and Air Force, providing a future-ready shield against evolving airborne threats.

The ASTER B1NT’s integration into naval systems is also in progress. The missile will be part of the Mid-Life Update (MLU) for the Horizon-class air defence destroyers of both France and Italy. Under this modernization, the ships will be upgraded with new radars (Kronos Grand Naval by Leonardo for Italy, SMART-L MM by Thales for France), modern electronic warfare systems, and next-generation combat management systems—Athena/SADOC Mk 4 on Italian vessels and SETIS on French ones.

Beyond its core land and naval roles, the ASTER B1NT is designed for Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD), capable of intercepting short-range ballistic missiles with ranges up to 1,500 km. During recent briefings, MBDA and DGA officials highlighted its capability to counter next-generation hypersonic weapons like Russia’s Zircon and Kinzhal, and China’s DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile.

One of the ASTER B1NT’s most significant innovations is its Ka-band active radar seeker—a rare feature in European missiles. Although Ka-band seekers typically have a narrower field of view and shorter range, MBDA engineers have extended its detection range by fine-tuning the beam shape, which also enhances its ability to distinguish real threats from decoys.

As of now, the ASTER missile family has recorded more than 250 successful firings, with over 100 operational launches, particularly in high-threat environments like Ukraine and the Red Sea, where the French Navy alone has used over 20 ASTER missiles in recent months, according to Admiral Defougère of the French Navy.

The success of the latest test not only reinforces Europe's missile defence capability but also strengthens EUROSAM’s position in the global air defence landscape. With systems like the SAMP/T NG and ASTER B1NT, Europe now possesses a credible and modern defence solution against emerging aerial and missile threats—including ballistic, hypersonic, stealth, and highly maneuverable targets.