Biscarrosse, 30 July 2025. A second ASTER B1 New Technology missile (ASTER B1NT), developed by eurosam, was successfully launched at DGA Essais de Missiles test range, in presence of representatives of the three participating states (France, Italy and UK) of the historical trilateral Air Defence FSAF-PAAMS cooperation managed by OCCAR.

After the first successful firing in October 2024, this second firing validated the long range capability of the missile. The ASTER B1NT missile is indeed able to intercept target up to a very longer range (class 150 km) and higher altitude thanks to several improvements implemented in this new generation of the ASTER family. This new successful firing contributes to the qualification of the Long Range capability of the SAMP/T NG system, with the demonstration of the enhanced operational capacities of the new ASTER B1NT missile
which will allow to intercept more difficult aerial and missiles targets in terms of range, manoeuvrability, furtivity or speed.

This firing is a great achievement for the bilateral ASTER B1NT and SAMP/T NG programmes 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 / DNA – 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 Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (French Air and Space Force), the Esercito Italiano (Italian Army) and the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force).

The ASTER 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 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.

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