ASTER 15 & ASTER 30 Missiles

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 ASTER Missile Family

ASTER 15. Photo Credit: MBDA

ASTER 30. Photo Credit: MBDA


CategoryASTER 15ASTER 30
RoleShort to medium range air defenceShort to long range air defence; extended area defence with ATBM protection (ASTER 30 B1, Block 1 NT)
Common FeaturesBoth share the same terminal dart; lightweight, highly manoeuvring, agile missile with active RF seeker; aerodynamic + thrust vector control (PIF-PAF) for high‑G manoeuvres and hit‑to‑kill capability
Launch & GuidanceVertically launched, autonomously guidedVertically launched, autonomously guided
Operational UseSAAM system (Charles de Gaulle, Conte di Cavour carriers); PAAMS system (Sea Viper on Type 45 destroyers, Horizon/Orizzonte frigates); FREMM frigatesSame as ASTER 15; also provides long‑range interception for area defence
Navies in ServiceItaly, France, UK, plus other navies worldwideItaly, France, UK, plus other navies worldwide
Operational Advantages• Defends against saturating attacks of manoeuvring supersonic anti‑ship missiles and late detected threats
• One system for full spectrum missions (self, local, area defence) with 360° coverage
• Supports deployed land forces
• Handles emerging threats (anti‑ship ballistic missiles, stealth targets)
• Growth potential for multi‑platform engagement
• Flexible architecture, simplified ship topside		Same advantages as ASTER 15, with added extended area defence against ballistic missiles
Missions• Self‑defence
• Local Area Defence (consort protection)
• Area Defence		• Self‑defence
• Local Area Defence
• Area Defence
• Extended Area Defence (ballistic missile interception)
Capabilities• Protection vs supersonic/subsonic missiles, anti‑radiation missiles, combat aircraft, MPAs, UAVs, helicopters
• All‑weather capability
• Extremely quick reaction time
• Very high speed
• 360° coverage
• Autonomous guidance with active RF seeker (stealth targets)
• PIF‑PAF control for hit‑to‑kill
• Multiple engagement, high rate of fire		Same as ASTER 15, plus anti‑ballistic missile capability (ASTER 30 B1, Block 1 NT)
Technical Specs• Weight: 310 kg
• Length: 4.2 m
• Diameter: 180 mm
• Propulsion: Solid propellant, two‑stage motor
• Max Speed: Mach 3
• Range: >30 km
• Altitude: 13 km		• Weight: 450 kg
• Length: 4.9 m
• Diameter: 180 mm
• Propulsion: Solid propellant, two‑stage motor
• Max Speed: Mach 4.5
• Range: >120 km
• Altitude: 20 km

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