View source for Aster (missile family)

{{Short description|Franco-Italian surface-to-air missile family}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox weapon
| is_missile         = yes
| name               = Aster
| image              = MBDA Aster p1220947.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = MBDA Aster 30 on display showing attached booster
| origin             = France<br/>Italy
| type               = [[Surface-to-air missile|Surface-to-air]]/[[anti-ballistic missile]]
| used_by            = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]''
| manufacturer       = [[Eurosam]]
| unit_cost          = 
| propellant         = 
| production_date    = 
| service            = 2001–present
| engine             = Solid propellant, two-stage motor<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |date=31 May 2022 |title=Aster 15 & 30 Datasheet |url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/product/aster-15-30/}}</ref>
| engine_power       = 
| weight             = ''Aster 15'': 310&nbsp;kg<ref name="auto1"/><br/>''Aster 30'': 450&nbsp;kg<ref name="auto1"/>
| length             = ''Aster 15'': 4.2 m<ref name="auto1"/><br/>''Aster 30'': 4.9 m<ref name="auto1"/>
| height             = 
| diameter           = ''Aster 15 & 30'': {{convert|180|mm|in|abbr=on}}<ref name="auto1"/>
| wingspan           = 
| speed              = ''Aster 15'': Mach 3 (1,000&nbsp;m/s)<ref name="auto1"/><br/>''Aster 30'': Mach 4.5 (1,400&nbsp;m/s)<ref name="auto1"/>
| vehicle_range      = ''Aster 15'': >30 km<ref name="auto1"/><br/>''Aster 30 Block 0 & 1'': >120&nbsp;km<ref name="auto1"/><br/>''Aster 30 Block 1 NT'': >150&nbsp;km<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/dubai-air-show/2021/11/16/eurosam-unveils-new-sampt-air-defense-variant-at-dubai-airshow/ | title=Eurosam unveils new SAMP/T air defense variant at Dubai Airshow | date=16 November 2021 }}</ref>
| ceiling            = 
| altitude           = ''Aster 15'': 13 km<ref name="auto1"/><br/>''Aster 30 Block 0 & 1'': 20&nbsp;km<ref name="auto1"/><br/>''Aster 30 Block 1NT'': 25 km class<ref>{{cite web |date=1 April 2024 |title=ASTER SAMP/T NG Datasheet 2023|url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/product/aster-30-sampt/}}</ref>
| filling            = 15 kg focused fragmented warhead with 2&nbsp;m lethal radius
| guidance           =
* [[Inertial guidance]] with up-link<ref name="MBDA PDF">{{Cite web |url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511001439/http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/aster_ds.pdf |url-status=dead |title=ASTER ANTI-MISSILE MISSILE |publisher=MBDA MISSILE SYSTEMS |archivedate=11 May 2012}}</ref>
* [[Active radar homing|Active RF seeker]]<ref name="MBDA PDF" />
| detonation         = Calculated delay proximity fuze
| launch_platform    =
* Maritime platforms (PAAMS)
* Land-based platforms (SAMP/T)
}}
[[File:Type 45 HMS Diamond being loaded with Sea Viper missiles at HMNB Portsmouth MOD 45159617.jpg|thumb|Loading onto HMS ''Diamond'']]

The '''Aster 15''' and '''Aster 30''' are a Franco-Italian family of all-weather, [[Vertical launching system|vertical launch]] [[surface-to-air missile]]s.<ref name="eurosam.com">[http://www.eurosam.com/products/naval-systems/ Eurosam: Naval Systems – Aster 15 & 30/PAAMS] (Official Eurosam website), Retrieved February 2014. "''Up to 120&nbsp;km range''".</ref> The name "''Aster''" stands for "Aérospatiale Terminale", with French company [[Aérospatiale]] having been the project's lead contractor before its missile activities were merged into [[MBDA]]. It also takes inspiration from the word "aster" ({{langx|el|ἀστήρ}}), meaning "star" in Ancient Greek. The missiles as well as the related weapon systems are manufactured by [[Eurosam]], a consortium consisting of MBDA France, MBDA Italy and [[Thales Group|Thales]], each holding a 33.3% share.

The Aster missiles were developed to intercept and destroy the full spectrum of air threats from high-performance [[fighter aircraft|combat aircraft]], [[UAV]]s and [[helicopter]]s to [[cruise missile|cruise]], [[anti-radiation missile|anti-radiation]] and even [[Sea skimming|sea-skimming]] [[supersonic missile|supersonic]] [[anti-ship missile|anti-ship]] missiles.<ref name="Aster 30 hits sea-skimming target at supersonic speeds">{{cite news |title=Interception d'une cible supersonique évoluant au ras de l'eau. |lang=fr |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/articles/interception-d-une-cible-supersonique-evoluant-au-ras-de-l-eau. |access-date=31 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619124019/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/articles/interception-d-une-cible-supersonique-evoluant-au-ras-de-l-eau. |archive-date=2016-06-19 |agency=French Ministry of Defence |publisher=defense.gouv.fr |date=5 April 2012}}</ref> The Aster&nbsp;30 Block&nbsp;1 and Block&nbsp;1&nbsp;NT were designed to [[anti-ballistic missile|counter ballistic missiles]].<ref name="auto1"/>

The Aster is primarily operated by France and Italy, as well as the United Kingdom as an export customer, and is an integrated component of the [[PAAMS]] air defence system, known in the [[Royal Navy]] as Sea Viper. As the principal weapon of the PAAMS, the Aster equips the {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}}s in French and Italian service as well as the British [[Type&nbsp;45 destroyers]]. It equips the French and Italian [[FREMM multipurpose frigate]]s, though not through the PAAMS air defense suite itself but specific French and Italian derivatives of the system.

==History==
During the 1980s, the predominant missiles in Franco-Italian service were short-range systems such as the French [[Crotale (missile)|Crotale]], Italian [[Selenia Aspide]] or American [[Sea Sparrow]], with ranges up to a dozen kilometres. Some vessels were also equipped with the American medium/long range [[RIM-66 Standard]].  France and Italy decided to start development of a domestic medium/long range [[surface-to-air missile]] to enter service in the first decade of the 21st century, that would give them comparable range but superior interception capability to the American Standard or British [[Sea Dart]] already in service. 

Thought was given in particular to the new missile's ability to intercept next-generation supersonic [[anti-ship missile]]s, such as the [[BrahMos]] missile developed jointly by India and Russia. This allowed the actual systems to have the characteristic of being specialised either in short-to-medium range "point defence" for e.g. ships, or in medium-to-long range "zone defence" of [[Naval fleet|fleets]].

In May 1989, a [[memorandum of understanding]] was signed between France and Italy for the development of a family of future surface-to air-missiles. Eurosam was formed shortly afterwards. By July 1995 development had taken shape in the form of the Aster missile, and test firing of the first Aster 30 took place. The missile successfully intercepted a target at an altitude of {{convert|15,000|m|abbr=on}} and at speeds of {{convert|1000|km/h|abbr=on}}. A Phase 2 contract was awarded in 1997 at US$1 billion for pre-production and development of the French-Italian land and naval systems.

During development trials between 1993 and 1994 all flight sequences, altitudes and ranges, were validated. This was also the period during which the launch sequence of Aster 30 was validated.  In May 1996, trials of the Aster 15 active electromagnetic final guidance system against live targets began. All six attempts were successful. During 1997 Aster was extensively tested, this time being pitted against targets such as the [[Aerospatiale C.22]] target and first generation [[Exocet]] anti-ship missiles. 

In numerous engagements Aster scored direct impacts on its targets. During an engagement in November 1997 in a strong [[Countermeasure|countermeasures environment]], the Aster was not armed with its military warhead, so that the distance between the Aster and the target could be recorded. The target, a C22, was recovered bearing two strong cuts made by the fins of the Aster missile.

In May 2001, Aster again completed the "manufacturer's validation firing test". It was deployed for the first time on the French [[Nuclear marine propulsion|nuclear-powered]] aircraft carrier {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle||2}}. In June 2001, the Aster achieved a successful interception of an Arabel missile at low altitude in less than five seconds. In 2001, a target simulating an aircraft flying at speeds of [[Mach number|Mach 1]] and at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|abbr=on}} was intercepted by an Aster 15. The first ever operational firing of the Aster missile took place during October 2002 on board ''Charles de Gaulle''.<ref name="auto">{{citation |url=http://www.eurosam.com/program.html |publisher=Eurosam |title= Program milestones |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328062411/http://www.eurosam.com/program.html |archive-date=28 March 2010 }}</ref>

In November 2003, Eurosam was awarded the 3 billion euro Phase 3 production contract. Full production and exports to France, Italy, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom started.<ref name="auto"/> The resulting Aster surface-to-air missile meets inter-service and international requirements, addressing the needs of the land, air and naval forces of France, Italy and the United Kingdom. The decision to base the missile around a common terminal intercept "dart" to which different sized boosters can be attached, has made it modular and extensible.

From 2002 to 2005, the Italian experimental frigate {{ship|Italian frigate|Carabiniere|F 581|2}} provided a test bed for live firing trials of the Aster 15 from Sylver A43 launchers with [[EMPAR]] and SAAM-it systems, and the trials of Aster 30 from Sylver A50 launchers with EMPAR and [[PAAMS]](E) systems.<ref name=gaspare>{{cite book|first=Gaspare|last=Galati|title=100 Years of Radar|publisher=Springer|place=New York|year=2016|pages=234–235|isbn=9783319005836}}</ref> {{As of|2012}}, France had spent €4.1bn at 2010 prices on 10 SAMP/T launchers, 375 Aster 30 missiles and 200 Aster 15 missiles.<ref name=Francebudget2012>{{Cite web | url=http://www.senat.fr/rap/a12-150-8/a12-150-815.html#toc290 | title=Projet de loi de finances pour 2013 : Défense : équipement des forces | language=fr | publisher=Senate of France | date=22 November 2012 | access-date=2013-11-07}}</ref> Another 80 Aster 30 and 40 Aster 15 were purchased for France's {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}}s under a separate programme.<ref name=Francebudget2012 />

In January 2023, the Italian and French Minister of Defense signed with MBDA a $2 billion contract for the purchase of 700 Aster missiles.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-italy-buy-close-700-aster-missiles-2023-01-30/|title=France and Italy to buy close to 700 Aster missiles|website=[[Reuters]] |date=30 January 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://babel.ua/en/news/89888-media-italy-and-france-agreed-to-order-700-aster-30-missiles-for-the-samp-t-air-defense-system-promised-to-ukraine|title=Media: Italy and France agreed to order 700 Aster-30 missiles for the SAMP/T air defense system promised to Ukraine|date=28 January 2023|website=babel.ua|accessdate=7 August 2023}}</ref>

==Characteristics==
There are two versions of the Aster missile family, the short-medium range version, the Aster 15, and the long range version, the Aster 30. The missile bodies are identical. Their difference in range and intercept speed is because Aster 30 uses a much larger booster. Total weights of the Aster 15 and Aster 30 are {{cvt|310|kg}} and {{cvt|450|kg}} respectively.<ref name="MBDA PDF" />

The Aster 15 is {{cvt|4.2|m|ftin}} long, rising to just under {{cvt|5|m|ftin}} for the Aster 30. Aster 15 has a diameter of {{cvt|180|mm}}.<ref name="MBDA PDF" /> Given the larger dimensions of the Aster 30, a naval based system requires the longer tubes of the [[Sylver Vertical Launching System|Sylver]] A50 or A70 [[vertical launching system]] (VLS). The American [[Mark 41 Vertical Launching System]] can accommodate Aster 30.

===Variants===
* '''Aster 15''': Short to medium range surface-to-air missile
* '''Aster 15 EC ''': New version of the Aster 15 with twice the range (60+ km); under development as of 2023 and expected to be introduced in 2030<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-20 |title=Aster 15 : MBDA développe une nouvelle version de son tueur de missiles {{!}} Mer et Marine |url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/defense/aster-15-mbda-developpe-une-nouvelle-version-de-son-tueur-de-missiles |access-date=2024-02-26 |website=www.meretmarine.com |language=fr}}</ref>
* '''Aster 30 Block 0''': Medium to long range surface-to-air missile. It can pull manoeuvres in excess of 50''g''.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Sweetman |first1=Bill |last2=Cook |first2=Nick |title=Getting to grips with missile defence |magazine=Interavia Business & Technology |date= April 1999 |volume=54 |issue=630 |pages=35 |issn=1423-3215}}</ref>
* '''Aster 30 Block 1''': Variant with anti-ballistic missile capability; tailored to counter {{cvt|600|km}}-class [[short-range ballistic missile]]s.<ref name="SAMP/T"/>
* '''Aster 30 Block 1NT''': NT standing for "New Technology", it is a new variant of the Aster 30 designed to counter short and {{cvt|1500|km}}-class [[medium-range ballistic missile]]s.<ref name=MBDAspec>{{cite web|url=http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/aster-family_background-1402652367.pdf |title= MBDA Press Information June 2014: The Aster Missile Family |access-date=26 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330142007/http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/aster-family_background-1402652367.pdf |archive-date=30 March 2015}}</ref>
* '''Aster 30 Block 2 BMD''' – Anti-ballistic missile under development and intended to counter up to {{cvt|3000|km}}-class ballistic and maneuvering missiles.

The Aster 30 Block 1 is used on the Eurosam [[SAMP/T]] system operated by the French Air and Space Force and the Italian Army.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eurosam.com/ground.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629091805/http://www.eurosam.com/ground.html|url-status=dead|title=ASTER – SAMP/T|archivedate=29 June 2012}}</ref> In 2015, France launched the development of the Block 1NT variant, a programme Italy would join in 2016.<ref name=MBDAspec /> The same year, the United Kingdom showed interest in acquiring the Block 1NT version for its [[Type 45 destroyer]]s currently operating the Block 0.<ref>{{cite book|title=UK-France Summit: Annex on security and defence|date=3 March 2016|publisher=gov.uk|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/505177/UKFRS_security_and_defence_final_2_March.pdf|access-date=5 August 2016}}</ref> In 2022, the United Kingdom announced a series of upgrades to its [[Type 45 destroyer|Type 45 destroyers]]. This included the implementation of the Block 1 version for anti-ship ballistic missile defense.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Type 45 Ballistic Missile Defence upgrade to support more than 100 UK jobs |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/type-45-ballistic-missile-defence-upgrade-to-support-more-than-100-uk-jobs |access-date=2022-05-24 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>

==Deployment==
===Naval systems===
[[File:Caio Duilio D554.jpg|thumb|Italian {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}}, {{ship|Italian destroyer|Caio Duilio|D 554|2}} equipped with Aster 15 and 30 missiles]]
* {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle}}
* {{ship|Italian aircraft carrier|Cavour}}
* {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}}
* [[Type 45 destroyer]]
* [[FREMM multipurpose frigate]]
* {{sclass|Formidable|frigate|1}}
* [[La Fayette-class frigate#Al Riyadh class: Saudi Arabia|''Al Riyadh''-class frigate]]
* [[San Giorgio-class amphibious assault ship|''Kalaat Béni Abbès'' class]]
* [[Frégate de défense et d'intervention]]
* [[Thaon di Revel-class offshore patrol vessel]]
* [[Doha-class corvette]]

===Land systems===
[[File:Salon du Bourget 20090619 110.jpg|thumb|The "radar module" of the SAMP/T Ground-based air defence system]]
The Aster 30 has been incorporated by Eurosam into a mobile [[Surface-to-air missile|SAM]] system, fulfilling the ground-based theatre air defence/protection requirement. It comes in the form of the '''Sol-Air Moyenne-Portée/Terrestre''' (French for "Surface-to-Air Medium-Range/Land-based"), abbreviated as '''SAMP/T'''. The system uses a network of radars and sensors – including 3D phased array radar – enabling it to be effective against various air threats such as [[aircraft]], [[tactical ballistic missile]]s, [[standoff missile]]s, [[cruise missile]]s or [[anti-radiation missile]]s.<ref name="SAMP/T"/>

The SAMP/T uses an upgraded version of the '''Arabel''' long range radar, developed under the Aster 30 Block 1 upgrade program, in order to extend the system's capability against higher speed and higher altitude targets. The Aster 30 Block 1 can intercept missiles with a {{cvt|600|km}} range ([[short-range ballistic missile]]s).<ref name="SAMP/T">{{cite web|title=Eurosam: Ground-launched systems|url=http://www.eurosam.com/products/ground-launched-systems/|website=www.eurosam.com|publisher=Eurosam|access-date=5 August 2016|archive-date=10 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210192710/http://www.eurosam.com/products/ground-launched-systems/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Testing==
[[File:Italian Army - 4th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment "Peschiera" SAMPT missile launch.jpg|thumb|[[Italian Army]] – [[4th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment "Peschiera"]] firing a SAMP/T Aster missile]]

*In April 2008, RSS ''Intrepid'', a {{sclass|Formidable|frigate|1}} of the [[Republic of Singapore Navy]], shot down an aerial drone off the French port of [[Toulon]] during a naval exercise. Then again in 2010, a frigate of the same class, RSS ''Supreme'' fired an Aster 15 and shot down an aerial drone off the coast of [[Hawaii]] as part of exercise [[RIMPAC#RIMPAC 2010|RIMPAC 2010]]. The RSN conducted 6 successful live-firings of the Aster missile over 11 years.
*Beginning with {{HMS|Dauntless|D33|6}} in September 2010, all of the [[Royal Navy]]'s Type 45 destroyers have successfully intercepted Mirach drones with Aster missiles at the [[Benbecula]] ranges off the [[Outer Hebrides]], Scotland. Mirach is a {{cvt|13|ft}} jet which flies at speeds of up to {{cvt|600|mph}} at altitudes as low as {{cvt|10|ft}} or as high as {{cvt|39,000|ft|km}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=HMS Daring fires Sea Viper for first time|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-daring-fires-sea-viper-for-first-time|access-date=5 August 2016|agency=Ministry of Defence|publisher=gov.uk|date=19 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=HMS Diamond fires Sea Viper missile for first time|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-diamond-fires-sea-viper-missile-for-first-time|access-date=5 August 2016|agency=Ministry of Defence|publisher=gov.uk|date=1 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Defender ready to live up to her name after successful first Sea Viper firing|url=https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/10525|access-date=5 August 2016|agency=Navy News|publisher=navynews.co.uk|date=16 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017202909/https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/10525|archive-date=17 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*In December 2011, an Aster 30 missile downed an Israeli ''[[Sparrow (target missile)|Black Sparrow]]'' ballistic missile target, the first time an Aster missile had attempted such an engagement.<ref name="Aster 30 hit BM">{{cite web|url=http://www.marianne.net/blogsecretdefense/Une-premiere-en-France-un-missile-intercepte-par-un-antimissile-Aster_a442.html|title=Une première en France : un missile intercepté par un antimissile Aster|date=1 December 2011|work=marianne.net|access-date=4 August 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816203205/http://www.marianne.net/blogsecretdefense/Une-premiere-en-France-un-missile-intercepte-par-un-antimissile-Aster_a442.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*In April 2012, the {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}}, {{ship|French frigate|Forbin||2}}, of the [[French Navy]] downed an American [[GQM-163 Coyote]] target simulating a [[Sea skimming|sea-skimming]] [[Cruise missile#Supersonic|supersonic anti-ship cruise missile]] traveling at Mach 2.5 (3000&nbsp;km/h) with an altitude of less than 5 metres. It was the first time a European missile defence system destroyed a supersonic sea-skimming missile. The trial was described as a complex operational scenario.<ref name="Aster 30 hits sea-skimming target at supersonic speeds"/>
*In 2021, during the Exercise At-Sea Demo: Formidable Shield 2021, the Horizon-class frigate ''Forbin'', intercepted a supersonic (>3000&nbsp;km/h) sea skimming target using an Aster 30 missile.<ref>{{cite news|title=French Navy Horizon Air Defense Destroyer Intercepts Supersonic Target|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/05/french-navy-horizon-air-defense-destroyer-intercepts-supersonic-target/|access-date=14 June 2021|publisher=Naval News|date=May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The French FS Forbin destroys a supersonic target with a combat loaded Aster 30 fire during At-Sea Demo/Formidable Shield 2021|url=https://sfn.nato.int/newsroom/2021/the-french-fs-forbin-destroys-a-supersonic-target-with-a-combat-loaded-aster-30-fire-during-atsea-demoformidable-shield-2021/|access-date=14 June 2021|publisher=Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO|date=28 May 2021}}</ref>
*In 2024, during the [[Red Sea crisis|EU operation in the Red Sea]], it is likely that the French Navy utilised Aster 30 to intercept three Houthi ballistic missiles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |date=2024-03-21 |title=French Navy Air Defense FREMM Intercepts 3 Ballistic Missiles |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/03/french-navy-air-defense-fremm-intercepts-3-ballistic-missiles/ |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref> The missile was also likely used by the Royal Navy to down another Houthi ballistic missile in April 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=HMS Diamond makes first Sea Viper anti-ballistic missile kill in action in the Red Sea |url=https://www.navylookout.com/hms-diamond-makes-first-sea-viper-anti-ballistic-missile-kill-in-action-in-the-red-sea/ |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=Navy Lookout |date=25 April 2024}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Aster Operators.svg|thumb|300px|{{legend|#0b60d4|Current operators}}]]
[[File:Singapore Navy guided-missile frigate RSS Steadfast.jpg|thumb|RSS ''Steadfast'', a {{sclass|Formidable|frigate|1}} of the [[Republic of Singapore Navy]], equipped with Aster 15/30]]
[[File:The MBDA Aster 30 of the Republic of Singapore Air Force.jpg|thumb|The MBDA Aster 30 of the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] displayed in Singapore Air Show 2020]]

===Current operators===
;{{flagicon|Algeria}} [[Algeria]]
* [[Algerian National Navy]] – {{ship|Algerian amphibious transport dock|Kalaat Béni Abbès}}<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1985%5B/rtl |title=Italian shipyard Fincantieri delivered amphibious ship Kalaat Beni-Abbes to Algerian Navy |last=Administrator |work=navyrecognition.com |access-date=4 August 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807033714/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1985%5B%2Frtl |archive-date=7 August 2016 }}</ref>

;{{flagicon|Egypt}} Egypt
* [[Egyptian Navy]]<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2015-news/june-2015-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/2836-dcns-transfered-the-fremm-frigate-tahya-misr-to-the-egyptian-navy.html |title= DCNS {{sic|Transfer|ed|nolink=y}} the FREMM Frigate Tahya Misr to the Egyptian Navy |date= 24 June 2015 |language= en}}</ref>

;{{flagicon|France}} [[France]]
* [[French Navy]]
* [[French Air and Space Force]]

;{{flagicon|Greece}} [[Greece]]
* [[Hellenic Navy]] – Aster 30 for [[Frégate de défense et d'intervention|FDI HN frigates]]

;{{flagicon|Italy}} Italy
* [[Italian Navy]]
* [[Italian Army]]
* [[Italian Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/july/9099-strengthening-air-defense-italian-air-force-acquires-samp-t-ng-missile-system.html|title=Strengthening Air Defense: Italian Air Force Acquires SAMP/T NG Missile System|website=airrecognition.com|accessdate=7 August 2023}}</ref>

;{{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Morocco]]
* [[Royal Moroccan Navy]]

;{{flagicon|Qatar}} [[Qatar]]
* [[Qatar Armed Forces|Qatar Navy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fincantieri.it/cms/data/browse/news/000751.aspx|title=16/06/2016|work=fincantieri.it|access-date=4 August 2016}}</ref>

;{{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} [[Saudi Arabia]]
* [[Royal Saudi Navy]]

;{{flagicon|Singapore}} [[Singapore]]
* [[Republic of Singapore Navy]]
* [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]]

;{{flagicon|Ukraine}} [[Ukraine]] 
According to a news report of May 2023, "The Franco-Italian anti-aircraft missile system has arrived in Ukraine, and it will be serviced by 20 local experts."<ref>{{cite news|url= https://news.yahoo.com/french-italian-samp-t-air-221700092.html |title= French-Italian SAMP-T air defense system arrives in Ukraine
|publisher=Yahoo! News |date=16 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://bulgarianmilitary.com/amp/2023/05/16/what-did-the-russians-hit-in-kyiv-patriot-or-something-else/ |title= What did the Russians hit in Kyiv? Patriot or something else?
|publisher= bulgarianmilitary |author= Boyko Nikolov|date=16 May 2023}}</ref> Italy announced that it was sending a second SAMP/T system to Ukraine. The date of arrival was not announced.<ref>{{cite news |title=Italy to send Ukraine second SAMP/T air defense system, foreign minister confirms|url=https://kyivindependent.com/italy-to-send-ukraine-second-samp-t-air-defence-system-foreign-minister-confirms/ |access-date=4 June 2024 |author=Chris York |work=The Kyiv Independent |date=3 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

;{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[United Kingdom]]
* [[Royal Navy]]

===Potential operators===
;{{ARM}}
*[[Armed Forces of Armenia]] – French Defense Minister [[Sébastien Lecornu]] mentioned its possible sale during his visit to Armenia in February 2024.
;{{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkey]]
*[[Turkish Air Force]] – In January 2018, a contract was signed during a state visit by the President of Turkey in Paris for a project with Eurosam for a future Long Range Air and Missile Defense System (LORAMIDS) for a period of 18 months where Turkish companies [[Roketsan]] and [[Aselsan]] would participate in the joint-production of the missile system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2018-01-10/turkey-buys-russia-also-mulls-european-missile-systems|title=Turkey Buys from Russia; also Mulls European Missile Systems|date=2021-01-10|work=ainonline.com}}</ref> It was stated that the SAMP/T air defense system project, which was stopped at the end of 2019 due to Turkey's launch of [[Operation Peace Spring]] in Syria, came to the agenda at the NATO Summit, and that Turkey, France and Italy would revive the project.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haber7 |title=Türkiye, Fransa ve İtalya'dan SAMP-T projesini yeniden canlandırma hamlesi |url= https://www.haber7.com/dunya/haber/3206354-turkiye-fransa-ve-italyadan-samp-t-projesini-yeniden-canlandirma-hamlesi |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=Haber7 |language=tr}}</ref>{{update after|2022|10|10}}<!-- so was it actually revived? Did Turkey ever receive Aster by LORAMIDS? -->

;{{flagicon|Croatia}} [[Croatia]]
*[[Croatian Air Force]] – In a decisive strategic initiative to fortify its national air and missile defense capabilities, the Republic of Croatia is evaluating the SAMP/T NG missile defense system, outfitted with Aster 30 B1 NT missiles. This procurement would underscore Croatia's proactive efforts to bolster its military infrastructure amidst dynamically evolving global security challenges.
{{Flag|Slovakia}}

* [[Slovak Air Force]] – Ministry of Defence of Slovak Republic is now negotiating and comparing offers for MRAD systems from [[Israel|Israeli]] companies, [[United States|American]]–[[Norway|Norwegian]] [[NASAMS]] and [[France|French]] [[Aérospatiale|Aérospatiales]] SAMP/T system. Systems will replace old [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[2K12 Kub]] systems. Systems should be acquired in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Teraz.sk |date=2024-06-20 |title=Kaliňák: Vláda intenzívne rokuje o ponukách na protivzdušnú obranu |url=https://www.teraz.sk/slovensko/nrsr-kalinak-vlada-intenzivne-roku/803416-clanok.html |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=TERAZ.sk |language=sk}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Anti-aircraft warfare]]
* [[Anti-ballistic missile]]
* [[Comparison of anti-ballistic missile systems]]
* [[List of missiles]]
* [[Surface-to-air missile]]

{{Div col |colwidth=22em}}
* {{lwc|Barak 8}}
* {{lwc|CAMM (missile family)|CAMM}}
* {{lwc|HQ-9}}
* {{lwc|KM-SAM}}
* {{lwc|L-SAM}}
* {{lwc|MIM-104 Patriot}}
* {{lwc|PAAMS}}
* {{lwc|RIM-161 Standard Missile 3}}
* {{lwc|RIM-162 ESSM}}
* {{lwc|RIM-174 Standard ERAM}}
* {{lwc|RIM-66 Standard}}
* {{lwc|RIM-67 Standard}}
* {{lwc|S-300 missile system}}
* {{lwc|S-400 missile system}}
* {{lwc|S-500 missile system}}
* {{lwc|Tor missile system}}
* {{lwc|Type 03 Chū-SAM}}
* {{lwc|Khordad 15 (air defense system)}}
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140412095838/http://www.armyrecognition.com/france_french_army_vehicle_missile_systems_uk/samp_t_mamba_aster_30_surface-to-air_defense_missile_system_technical_data_sheet_pictures_video.html SAMP/T Aster 30 Mamba Surface-to-air defence missile system] (armyrecognition.com)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfhoGKmD68g Video – HMS Diamond fires Aster 30 missile], 2012
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20151210123628/http://www.mbda-systems.com/products/maritime-superiority/aster-paams-saam/59-2/ MBDA Aster 15 & 30 PAAMS]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090926072020/http://www.mbda-systems.com/mbda/site/ref/scripts/siteFO_contenu.php?lang=EN&noeu_id=87&page_id=117 MBDA Aster 15 SAAM]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110928163120/http://www.eurosam.com/naval.html Eurosam Aster page]
* {{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/database/d7/asset/document/SAMP-T.pdf |title=Air Defence Weapon System SAMP/T |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901183540/https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/database/d7/asset/document/SAMP-T.pdf |archive-date=2021-09-01 |url-status=live}}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/samp-t |title=SAMP-T |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901183510/https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/samp-t |archive-date=2021-09-01 |url-status=live}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aster (Missile Family)}}
[[Category:21st-century surface-to-air missiles]]
[[Category:Naval surface-to-air missiles]]
[[Category:Naval surface-to-air missiles of France]]
[[Category:Anti-ballistic missiles of France]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2000s]]
[[Category:Surface-to-surface missiles of France]]