France, Italy, and the United Kingdom have signed a contract for 218 additional Aster missiles and accelerated delivery of previously ordered missiles under a joint procurement agreement.
The deal was signed by the Joint Armament Cooperation Organization (OCCAr) on behalf of the three nations' defense agencies.
The contract involves producing Aster 30 B1 missiles for SAMP/T NG systems and naval defense, as well as Aster 15 missiles for the French Navy. MBDA, along with European firms such as Thales, Avio, and KNDS Ammo, will support the accelerated production.
The new order builds on a previous agreement from December 2022, with 134 additional missiles expected between 2025 and 2026. MBDA and its subcontractors have increased production capacity to meet these demands.
Aster 30 missiles can engage conventional and ballistic targets, while Aster 15 missiles are designed to counter maneuvering missiles, fighter aircraft, and maritime patrol aircraft.