MBDA has officially handed over the first batch of Aster air defense missiles to Italy under a €2-billion ($2.29 billion) contract signed in late 2022. The deal, which also involves France, covers a total of 700 missiles for the two countries.
Initially scheduled for 2026, deliveries were expedited through accelerated production efforts by Eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales. The move came amid rising security threats across Europe.
The agreement includes four missile types: Aster 30 B1 NT, Aster 30 B1, Aster 30 B, and the medium-range Aster 15. The NT variant, known for its speed and agility, will equip SAMP/T NG systems operated by the French and Italian militaries.
The Aster family features vertically launched surface-to-air missiles with ranges between 30 and 150 kilometers. While the Aster 15 targets aircraft and missile salvos, the more powerful Aster 30 also defends against ballistic missile threats.
