Eurosam new Aster B1NT missile proves long-range air defense capability with second successful live-firing test.

On July 30, 2025, Eurosam, a European manufacturer of air defense systems and prime contractor for the ASTER missile family, conducted a second successful live firing of its ASTER B1 New Technology (B1NT) missile at the DGA Essais de Missiles test range in Biscarrosse, a strategic missile testing site located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France, near the Atlantic coast.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Live-firing of the ASTER B1NT missile at the DGA Essais de Missiles range in Biscarrosse, validating its extended range interception capabilities as part of the SAMP/T NG air defense system development. (Picture source: DGA)

The live firing test of the new ASTER B1NT surface-to-air missile was attended by defense representatives from France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, under the framework of the long-standing trilateral FSAF-PAAMS air defense cooperation program overseen by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR). This new test confirmed the extended-range interception capabilities of the ASTER B1NT, a key component of the SAMP/T NG system, Europe’s next-generation ground-based air and missile defense solution.

The ASTER B1NT missile represents a major technological leap within the renowned ASTER missile family developed by Eurosam, a European consortium jointly owned by MBDA and Thales. This upgraded variant is specifically engineered to meet the growing challenges posed by next-generation aerial and ballistic threats. Among its most notable improvements is a newly designed active radar seeker produced by Thales, which significantly enhances tracking precision, target discrimination, and resistance to electronic countermeasures. The missile also incorporates advanced computing systems and optimized guidance algorithms, enabling it to intercept more complex threats at much greater distances and higher altitudes than its predecessor, the ASTER 30 Block 1.

With a classified engagement range of approximately 150 kilometers, the ASTER B1NT is capable of intercepting high-speed, high-altitude targets such as maneuvering short-range ballistic missiles, stealth aircraft, and low-signature cruise missiles. Its updated propulsion and control systems offer superior agility during the final intercept phase, allowing it to engage fast-moving and highly maneuverable targets under demanding operational conditions. This capability ensures that the missile can provide robust protection for both deployed forces and strategic infrastructure in an evolving threat environment.

The missile is designed to be deployed as part of the new-generation SAMP/T NG (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée Terrestre Nouvelle Génération) air defense system, which replaces the earlier SAMP/T currently in service with the French and Italian armed forces. The SAMP/T NG features a state-of-the-art multifunction radar, a fully digital command and control suite with enhanced data fusion capabilities, and improved mobility for faster deployment and repositioning. The integration of ASTER B1NT within this architecture ensures a layered and scalable air defense solution with seamless interoperability with NATO-integrated air and missile defense systems.

This second successful firing campaign follows the initial validation launch conducted in October 2024 and marks a key step in the qualification of the long-range variant of the SAMP/T NG system. It highlights the strong collaboration between OCCAR, Eurosam, MBDA, Thales, and national defense agencies including France’s DGA and Italy’s Segredifesa and Direzione Nazionale Armamenti (DNA). These new air defense assets will be delivered to the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (French Air and Space Force), the Esercito Italiano (Italian Army), and the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force), significantly boosting European airspace security.

In addition to its ground-based role, the ASTER B1NT will also be deployed in future naval applications. It is planned for integration into the Mid-Life Upgrade of the Horizon-class air defense frigates operated by France and Italy. This common missile solution for both land and sea platforms strengthens the coherence of European defense architectures and ensures a unified response to air and missile threats across multiple domains.