Italy Reinforces Ballistic Missile Shield with First Aster Missiles in Accelerated Joint European Effort.

Italy has officially received the first batch of Aster missiles under the European FSAF-PAAMS Sustainment and Enhancement (S&E) program, following a decision to accelerate the production of these critical munitions. The early delivery, confirmed by the intergovernmental agency OCCAR-EA (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement – Executive Administration), took place at the Joint Advanced Ammunition Centre (CIMA) in Italy, marking a key milestone in the multinational framework.
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With increased output across multiple European industrial sites, particularly those of EUROSAM and MBDA, the first units of Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles were delivered one year ahead of schedule. (Picture source: OCCAR)

The original contract scheduled deliveries for 2026. However, in response to growing operational requirements expressed by France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the three nations signed Amendment No. 15 in February 2025, initiating a revised timeline. This change was introduced amid heightened tensions and urgent air and missile defense needs. With increased output across multiple European industrial sites, particularly those of EUROSAM and MBDA, the first units of Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles were delivered one year ahead of schedule.

The Aster 15 is a short- to medium-range air defense interceptor designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, and low-flying drones. It is integrated into systems such as PAAMS aboard Franco-Italian Horizon-class frigates and the UK’s Type 45 destroyers, as well as the SAMP/T ground-based system. The missile reaches speeds of Mach 3 and has an operational range exceeding 30 km. It employs a guidance system that combines an active RF seeker and inertial navigation. Maneuverability is ensured by a hybrid control mechanism combining aerodynamic surfaces and thrust vectoring (PIF-PAF), enabling it to engage high-speed targets with complex flight paths.

The Aster 30 is designed for long-range air defense and interception of short-range ballistic missiles. It reaches speeds of Mach 4.5 and has a range exceeding 120 km, allowing engagement of threats at high altitudes and extended distances, including supersonic and maneuvering targets. It shares the same guidance architecture as the Aster 15 but features enhanced ballistic performance, making it suitable for intercepting short-range ballistic threats. Together, Aster 15 and Aster 30 form the core of European naval and ground-based air and missile defense capabilities.

OCCAR emphasized that the delivery resulted from close coordination between the participating nations and industry partners. The effort enabled a rapid enhancement of integrated air defense capacities across both naval and land platforms. As integral components of the SAMP/T and PAAMS systems, Aster missiles contribute to layered defense architectures by countering ballistic missiles, combat aircraft, and cruise missiles.

OCCAR acknowledged the continued support of the three contributing nations and noted the importance of adapting defense posture to evolving operational demands. The delivery at CIMA reflects both the industrial execution of the program and Europe's collective capacity to respond to strategic requirements independently of external sources.

This early delivery of Aster missiles to Italy marks a shift in the operational trajectory of the FSAF-PAAMS S&E program. It reflects the coordinated efforts of European partners to adjust defense readiness in real time, while reinforcing industrial and strategic autonomy. The initiative also highlights the role of intergovernmental defense cooperation, as illustrated by OCCAR’s management of the program.