France has successfully tested the new Aster 30 B1NT surface-to-air missile, designed for the next-generation SAMP/T NG system, confirming its ability to intercept targets at a range of 150 km — and potentially even hypersonic missiles. For Ukraine, this kind of capability could be a gamechanger in strengthening its air defenses.
The test took place at the DGA Essais de Missiles test range in southwestern France, with representatives from France, Italy, and the United Kingdom present as part of their joint FSAF-PAAMS cooperation. According to Naval News, the missile's performance confirmed its ability to defend against both traditional and advanced aerial threats.
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Defense Express notes that this is the second official test of the Aster 30 B1NT missile, following the first one in October 2024. In addition to its use in ground-based air defense via SAMP/T NG, this missile is also intended to be deployed on French and Italian naval platforms.
Another major upgrade in the SAMP/T NG system lies beyond just the new Aster 30 B1NT missiles. The entire complex has received improvements, including a new-generation Kronos Grand Mobile High Power radar from Leonardo, upgraded command-and-control modules, and enhanced data fusion systems. Together, these upgrades give SAMP/T NG a much better chance at tracking and intercepting fast and maneuvering threats like ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
In fact, SAMP/T NG is now seen as Europe's answer to the American Patriot PAC-3 MSE system. While the two systems are different in architecture, both aim to counter similar threats, including high-speed aircraft and advanced missiles. For European countries seeking strategic autonomy, SAMP/T NG provides a non-U.S. alternative with comparable capabilities.
The Aster 30 B1NT missile is designed to intercept both conventional aerial targets like fighter jets and more challenging ones like hypersonic missiles. While the full specs of the new version are still classified, the baseline Aster 30 missile weighs 450 kg, is 4.9 meters long, and is capable of intercepting aerodynamic targets up to 120 km away, or ballistic ones up to 60 km.
It’s important to note that Ukraine currently operates two batteries of the SAMP/T air defense system, with a third expected to arrive by October 2025. While these are the previous generation systems, the new NG version offers capabilities that could significantly boost Ukraine's ability to counter advanced russian threats.
If Ukraine were to acquire even a single battery of the SAMP/T NG system in the future, its armed forces would gain a rare capability: the interception of hypersonic weapons like russia's 3M22 Zircon and Kh-47M2 Kinzhal. Naval News specifically mentions these two systems as potential targets for the new missile. Notably, even the current Patriot system has already proven capable of intercepting the Kinzhal during its mid-course flight phase.
MBDA, the developer behind the Aster missiles, is currently ramping up production. In fact, the company recently reported that its missile output has exceeded expectations by 500%, underscoring the urgent demand and critical importance of replenishing Europe's missile stockpiles and maintaining the pace of deliveries.
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