Aster (missile Family)

Aster (missile Family)

The Aster missile, currently comprising the Aster 15 and Aster 30 are a family of vertically-launched surface-to-air missiles. The name "Aster" originates from the mythical Greek archer named Asterion (in Greek mythology), Asterion likewise receiving his name from the ancient Greek word aster (Greek: ἀστήρ), meaning "star". Aster is manufactured by Eurosam, a European consortium consisting of MBDA France, MBDA Italy (combined 66%) and the Thales Group (33%). The missile is designed to intercept and destroy a wide range of air threats, such as supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles at very low altitude (Sea-skimming) and fast flying, high performance aircraft or missiles.

Aster is primarily operated by France, Italy, and the United Kingdom and is an integrated component of the PAAMS air-defence missile system, known in the Royal Navy as Sea Viper. As the principle weapon of the PAAMS system, Aster equips the Type 45 destroyers and the Horizon class frigates. Aster is also equipping the French and Italian FREMM multipurpose frigates, though they will not be operating as part of a PAAMS air-defence suite.

Although the Aster 30 is anti-ballistic missile capable, an Aster Block 2 BMD (Ballistic Missile Defence) variant of the Aster 30 missile is currently under development.