Biscarosse/France- 08 October, 2024 at the DGA French firing range, DGA Essais de Missiles, a first Aster 30 B1 New Technology (B1NT) missile, developed by EUROSAM, was successfully launched against a target in a complex scenario in presence of representatives of the three Participating States (France, Italy and UK) of the historical trilateral FSAF-PAAMS cooperation.
During this firing campaign called “Mercure”, the missile was launched from an upgraded launcher of the SAMPT in the configuration of the future SAMPT New Generation (SAMPT NG), also under development for the two Nations.
This successful firing is a great achievement for the bilateral programmes Aster 30 B1NT and SAMPT NG managed by OCCAR for France and Italy. Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of OCCAR, experts from the two Nations, (in particular from DGA and SGD) and Industry, this success is an important step forward for the development of these new cutting-edge Air Defence assets to be delivered to the French Air Force and the Italian Army and Air Force. The Aster 30 B1NT missile will be also integrated on other naval programmes managed by OCCAR for the two Nations like the MLU Horizon and PPA.
The OCCAR FSAF-PAAMS Programme Manager, presented the importance of this cooperation managed by OCCAR which allowed to deliver European combat-proven ground and naval systems to the Nations still currently in service. He also provided an overview of the capability roadmap, built jointly with DGA, SGD and DE&S, to extend and renew the Air Defence capabilities for France, Italy and UK around the Aster missiles.
The French Minister of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Sebastian Lecornu, who attended this firing congratulated and thanked all the stakeholders from OCCAR and the two Nations for this important milestone in the development of this new missile Aster 30 B1NT and SAMPT NG which will provide the forces the defence assets for the protection of the Nations against growing complex threats.
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