Air Defense
MBDA Aster 30
The Aster 30 is a French-Italian surface-to-air missile produced by MBDA through Eurosam, in service since 2001. It reaches about 120 km at Mach 4.5, and arms the SAMP/T and the naval PAAMS systems.
France|MBDA & EurosamWhat Is the MBDA Aster 30? Overview, History and Development
Aster development began in the 1990s, and the first shipboard use came on the Charles de Gaulle in 2001. It is a two-stage missile of about 450 kg and 4.9 m with a booster and a dart with an active radar seeker, steered by direct force and thrust vector control (PIF-PAF). Range is commonly cited at about 120 km against aircraft and missiles, with an altitude of about 20 km and a speed of about Mach 4.5. It maneuvers above 50 g, and Block 1 can intercept short-range ballistic missiles in the terminal phase.
Block 1 NT is designed for ballistic missiles up to about 1,500 km class. Platforms include SAMP/T for France and Italy, and PAAMS in Sea Viper, Horizon, FREMM, Type 45, Iver Huitfeldt and Formidable-class ships. Operators are France, Italy, the UK, Singapore, Denmark and Ukraine (SAMP/T deliveries reported in 2025 to 2026). Each missile costs an estimated EUR 2 million, and output is being expanded. Aster was used to shoot down drones and anti-ship missiles in the Red Sea in 2024. Rivals include Patriot PAC-3, S-400, Barak MX, ESSM and HQ-9.
MBDA Aster 30 Specifications: Range, Altitude, Missiles and Radar
MBDA Aster 30 Variants and Versions Compared
Aster 30 Block 1 is the baseline version with a range of about 120 km, able to intercept short-range ballistic missiles.
Aster 30 Block 1NT is the upgraded version designed against ballistic missiles up to about 1,500 km class.
Aster 30 (PAAMS) is the naval installation on Sea Viper, Horizon and FREMM ships.
Which Countries Use the MBDA Aster 30? Operators and Users
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Singapore
Denmark
UkraineMBDA Aster 30 FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What is the range of the Aster 30?
The Aster 30 has a range of about 120 km against aircraft and missiles, according to commonly cited manufacturer figures. It engages targets at altitudes up to about 20 km.
How much does an Aster 30 missile cost?
An Aster 30 missile costs an estimated EUR 2 million, according to press estimates. Prices vary by version and order size.
Is the Aster 30 anti-ballistic?
Yes, the Aster 30 Block 1 can intercept short-range ballistic missiles in the terminal phase. The Block 1 NT is designed for ballistic missiles up to about 1,500 km class.
Aster 30 vs Patriot: which is better?
The Aster 30 reaches about 120 km at Mach 4.5 and uses direct force control for maneuvers above 50 g, while the Patriot PAC-3 is a more widely deployed system. Both are credible interceptors, with different strengths.
Which countries use the Aster 30?
The Aster 30 is used by France, Italy, the UK, Singapore, Denmark and Ukraine, which has received SAMP/T deliveries reported in 2025 to 2026. Saudi Arabia operates the shorter-range Aster 15 on naval vessels.
How fast is the Aster 30?
The Aster 30 flies at about Mach 4.5. It is a two-stage missile of about 450 kg and 4.9 m with an active radar seeker.
