France has completed the first test launches of the new Franco-Italian ASTER 30 B1 NT surface-to-air missile system.
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on X that these missiles will be integrated into the next-generation SAMP/T New Generation ground-based air defense system, expected to be operational in France by 2026.
In addition to its ground deployment, the ASTER 30 B1 NT missile will also be fitted onto Horizon-class air defense destroyers for both the Italian Navy (by 2027) and the French Navy (by 2030), following planned upgrades.
During the test launch, two airborne targets were deployed to create a challenging air defense scenario.
One target simulated an enemy fighter, while the other represented a friendly aircraft that required protection.
The ASTER B1 NT, developed by MBDA, is designed to intercept short-range or ballistic missiles with ranges up to 1,500 km, and it aims to counter emerging missile threats such as Russia's 3M22 Zircon and X-47M2 Dagger hypersonic systems.
According to MBDA and DGA (French Directorate General of Armament) experts, the ASTER B1 NT is equipped with advanced algorithms that allow it to distinguish between real missile threats and decoys. To date, the ASTER missile family has successfully completed over 250 launches, including more than 100 operational launches in Ukraine and the Red Sea.
In September, France confirmed a new contract for the production of seven additional SAMP/T NG anti-aircraft missile systems, with the goal of having 12 combat-ready systems by 2035.
An additional four systems are expected to be ordered by 2027.
