France to Deliver Second Batch of SAMP/T Missiles to Ukraine

France will send Ukraine a second batch of Aster 30 missiles for use with SAMP/T air defense systems.

The BBC reported on this with reference to the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu.

According to the Minister, this will be the second large batch of missiles that are actively used by the Ukrainian Defense Forces to intercept drones and cruise missiles.

The Aster 30 missile is capable of destroying air targets at a range of up to 120 km and an altitude of up to 20 km. Thanks to the missile’s active homing head, the system does not require an additional radar that would constantly track the target to guide the missile.

In addition, this type of homing head makes it possible to more effectively fire at low-flying targets hidden behind trees.

The transfer of Aster 30 missiles was announced after the Italian government announced the transfer of an additional battery of the SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine.

First of all, it regards a battery of the air defense systems used by the Italian army to protect Slovak airspace, which was recalled back to Italy.

The Italian version of the system is based on the Iveco M320 or ACTL HD8 truck. The first SAMP/T battery consists of four self-propelled launchers, a self-propelled radar, and a command post.

In February 2024, Italy placed an order for additional modernized SAMP/T NG air defense systems.

According to the signed contract, Italy is ordering four batteries for its land forces as part of the strengthening of Italy’s and NATO’s missile defense.

Due to an increase in orders from Italy and France, MBDA France has announced a boost in the production of Aster 30 missiles.

Aster missiles are used from both ground-based launchers and Sylver vertical launching systems.