SAMP/T NG: FIRST SUCCESSFUL QUALIFICATION FIRING OF THE ASTER B1NT MISSILE
Biscarrosse, 08 October 2024. A first Aster 30 B1 New Technology missile, developed by eurosam, was successfully launched against a target in a complex scenario in presence of Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister of Armed Forces and Veteran Affairs, and representatives of the three participating states (France, Italy and UK) of the historical trilateral FSAF- PAAMS cooperation.
This first firing was carried out in a scenario simulating a particularly complex ground to air defence situation with several targets, one, representative of a friend aircraft to defend, evolving at very close altitudes and distances. The shot resulted in a direct hit on the threat, demonstrating the major improvement of the target discrimination capabilities of the Aster missile with the new Ka-Band seeker of the B1NT variant.
This firing contributes to the qualification of the SAMP/T NG system, with the demonstration of the operational capacities of the new MLT NG launcher and the Firing Control Unit that include a complete new Engagement Module software open architecture with a new B1NT missile firing control.
This successful firing is a great achievement for the bilateral programmes Aster 30 B1NT and SAMP/T NG managed by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) for France and Italy. Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of eurosam, MBDA and Thales teams, OCCAR, and experts from the two Nations – in particular from DGA and Segredifesa – this success is an important step forward for the development of these new cutting-edge Air Defence assets. These assets will be delivered to the French Air and Space Force and the Esercito Italiano (Italian Army) and the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force).
The Aster 30 B1NT missile will also be integrated on other naval programmes managed by eurosam and OCCAR for the two Nations like the Mid-Life Update of Horizon Frigates.
Press contact: Eurosam communication
Mobile: 06.74.00.03.13
Mail: communication@eurosam.com
Note to editors:
eurosam
The eurosam GIE (Economic Interest Grouping) is a Franco-Italian joint-venture created between MBDA France, MBDA Italy and Thales. For more than 35 years, it has been the industrial prime contractor and design authority for Aster missile-based air defence systems.
The result of cooperation between France and Italy, extended to the United Kingdom, the systems developed by eurosam both in their land (SAMP/T) and naval (SAAM and PAAMS) applications have proven their effectiveness in combat Today, eurosam is positioned as the only European system manufacturer capable of offering sovereign medium and long-range air defence solutions. To meet current defence challenges, eurosam continues to innovate to offer its customers defence systems able to defeat current and future threats. This ability to anticipate and to innovate is based on the recognised expertise of its teams and that of its shareholders in terms of research and development and programme management.
SAMP/T NG
SAMP/T NG is the new version of the SAMP/T system today in service in France and in Italy. SAMP/T NG is a strategic system that offers an advance anti-access / area-denial capability. SAMP/T NG is the only European medium-range air defence solution guaranteeing air sovereignty as well as protection of the armed forces and sensitive civil or military sites against all current and future threats (cruise missile, ballistic missiles, anti-radar missiles, UAV, helicopter and aircraft).
Designed to operate in a civilian air environment, the system is capable of operating with friendly military aircraft. It is fully integrated into the national air defence network and fully interoperable with NATO / coalition systems. SAMP/T NG extended engagement capability provides 360-degree protection capable of simultaneously engaging any combination of air and missile threats further than 150 km.
SAMP/T NG Section has four main components:
- Up to 48 Aster missiles ready to fire
- 1 multi-function radar module able to detect and identify targets further than 350 km
- 1 engagement module
- Up to 6 launchers modules capable of carrying 8 missiles each
The whole system is mobile and can be operational in less than 30 minutes.
ASTER B1NT MISSILE
Being a pillar of sovereign air defence, ASTER is the only European missile family capable of defeating the most high-end threats, from highly manoeuvrable targets up to hypersonic threats. The ASTER B1NT missile provides an extended air defence domain and an improved interception capability to face the evolution of new complex threats.
Building on a unique aerodynamic and pyrotechnic architecture, it benefits from a disruptive guidance technology based on a Ka seeker and new interception algorithms, as well as the latest generation of electronics equipment to feature an unmatched hit-to-kill capability. These brand-new technologies deliver a significant performance enhancement as the ASTER B1NT missile will cover the full spectrum of threats, including short to medium range tactical ballistic missiles (SRBM and MRBM), low manoeuvring and hypersonic missiles.
