The French Defense Ministry announced on Friday, that France, Italy, and the UK have signed a joint contract to acquire 218 additional Aster missiles, accelerating delivery timelines. The agreement, facilitated by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAr), aims to strengthen European air defense capabilities amid rising security challenges.
The deal includes the production of Aster 30 B1 missiles for land-based SAMP/T NG systems and naval defense, as well as Aster 15 missiles for the French Navy. MBDA, alongside key European firms like Thales and Avio, will ramp up production, with 134 missiles set for delivery between 2025 and 2026.
The statement showed that this collaboration underscores the commitment of the three nations’ commitment to enhance their defense systems and support Europe's missile industry.
