Singapore Armed Forces will buy the MBDA Aster-30 surface-to-air defense missile system 1709131

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Defence & Security News - Singapore

 
 
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 07:05 AM
 
Singapore Armed Forces will buy the MBDA Aster-30 surface-to-air defense missile system.
The Singapore Armed Forces will buy a new MBDA Aster-30 surface-to-air missile system, to boost Singapore's air defence shield. Announcing the acquisition on Monday, September 16, 2013, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said advanced militaries in France and Italy use the new system, which is "many times more potent" than the current I-Hawk ground-based air defence system.
     
The Singapore Armed Forces will buy a new Aster-30 surface-to-air missile system, to boost Singapore's air defence shield. Announcing the acquisition on Monday, September 16, 2013, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said advanced militaries in France and Italy use the new system, which is "many times more potent" than the current I-Hawk ground-based air defence system.
MBDA Aster-30 surface-to-air missile during firing test.
     

"The Aster will allow us to engage multiple threats simultaneously and from a longer distance," Dr Ng told Parliament, adding that the new system will complement a mobile and shorter-range ground-based air defence system known as Spyder.

He was responding to Nee Soon GRC MP Lim Wee Kiak on the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) operational readiness with the planned relocation of Paya Lebar Airbase to Changi East at around 2030. Dr Ng did not say how much the move, which was announced last month, would cost.

The RSAF is also looking to upgrade its fighter fleet, such as modernising the avionics system and extending the lifespan of the F-16s.

The advanced capabilities being built up gave Mindef and SAF the confidence to move Paya Lebar Airbase, following a 2011 study of capabilities and security threats for the long term, Dr Ng said.

"We satisfied ourselves that our security would not be compromised and that relocation of PLAB could take place after existing airbases at Changi East and Tengah have been expanded to accommodate relocated assets and facilities," he said.

He added that the move will be costly, but will yield "billion dollars' worth of positive returns to the people in Singapore" in terms of land released for development and the removal of height restrictions in the area.

Aster is manufactured by Eurosam, a European consortium consisting of MBDA France, MBDA Italy (combined 66%) and the Thales Group (33%). The missile is designed to intercept and destroy a wide range of air threats, such as supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles at very low altitude and fast flying, high performance aircraft or missiles.

The ASTER missile family comprises ASTER 15 for short to medium range and ASTER 30 for short to long range. There is extensive commonality between the two variants with both missiles featuring the same terminal dart.

ASTER’s terminal dart is a lightweight, highly manoeuvring and agile missile equipped with a high-performance active RF seeker. Thanks to the unique combination of aerodynamic control and direct thrust vector control called “PIF-PAF, the missile is capable of high g manoeuvres. Together, these features give ASTER an unmatched hit-to-kill capability.