MBDA has delivered the preliminary batch of Aster surface-to-air missiles in beneath two and a half years since receiving the order.
This procurement was performed collectively by way of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), in collaboration with Eurosam, the Franco-Italian three way partnership between MBDA and Thales.
The supply follows orders positioned in December 2022. It was later supplemented by an extra order in February 2025 for France, Italy, and the UK.
The acquisition will bolster air defence methods throughout European nations, with the programme aiming to supply near 1,000 Aster missiles to equip the armed forces of Italy, the UK, and France.
MBDA has affirmed its dedication to considerably cut back the manufacturing lead-time for Aster missiles by greater than half by 2026 in comparison with 2022.
Moreover, the supply confirms that the corporate is on monitor to ship a amount of Aster missiles in 2025 that’s fivefold better than initially deliberate.
MBDA CEO Eric Béranger mentioned: “The supply of the primary Aster missiles that benefited from considerably decreased manufacturing occasions is successful for all MBDA groups. I thank them for his or her ongoing efforts, in addition to the commercial companions and state actors concerned.
“It demonstrates our dedication to working alongside our prospects to make sure the ramp-up of our industrial services and the strengthening of our defence industrial and technological base.
”This acceleration will present Italian, French and British armed forces with important air defence methods to guard European skies, as demonstrated by means of Aster within the Pink Sea and Ukraine, and improve Nato’s defence capabilities.”
To fulfill the elevated demand for Aster missiles, MBDA initiated measures in 2024 to expedite deliveries.
The corporate has invested in its manufacturing infrastructure at websites together with Bourges and Selles-Saint-Denis in France and Fusaro in Italy.
It additionally expanded its workforce and elevated shares of uncooked supplies and elements to assist its European provide chain.
The corporate goals to speculate €2.4bn ($2.7bn) from 2025 by way of 2029 to take care of the elevated manufacturing ranges within the ensuing years.
In March 2025, Eric Béranger indicated that the corporate is capable of supplying weapon systems manufactured in Europe in accordance with shopper calls for.
