France has completed a successful test of the new Aster 30 B1NT surface-to-air missile. This missile is part of the next-generation SAMP/T NG air defense system. The test confirmed the missile’s ability to intercept threats from a distance of up to 150 kilometers. Even more important, it is capable of stopping hypersonic missiles — those that travel at incredibly high speeds.
France Successfully Tests Advanced Aster 30 B1NT Missile
The DGA Essais de Missiles test range in southwest France served as the site of the missile test. As part of their collaborative defense initiative, FSAF-PAAMS, French, Italian, and British officials attended the launch. This test’s success demonstrates the Aster 30 B1NT missile’s ability to protect against both conventional aircraft and more sophisticated threats, like hypersonic missiles.
This is the Aster 30 B1NT missile’s second known official test. The first test was completed in October 2024. The missile is not only designed for ground-based air defense systems like the SAMP/T NG, but it will also be used on navy warships operated by France and Italy. This means it offers protection both on land and at sea.
The Aster 30 B1NT is developed by MBDA, a major European missile manufacturer. According to available data, this new missile builds on the earlier Aster 30 design. The original version could intercept aerodynamic targets, like jets, from 120 km away, and even shoot down ballistic missiles from 60 km away. The new B1NT version goes even further, making it a key part of Europe’s growing missile defense network.
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Major Upgrades to the SAMP/T NG Air Defense System
The improved SAMP/T NG (New Generation) air defense system includes the missile as just one component. Significant advancements have also been made to the system itself. Kronos Grand Mobile High Power, a new radar, is now part of it. Leonardo created this radar, which has improved precision for long-range threat detection.
In addition to the enhanced radar, the SAMP/T NG has improved command systems. These systems help military units respond faster when threats are detected. The improved technology inside the system allows it to process a large amount of data very quickly. This is especially useful when dealing with fast and unpredictable threats like hypersonic missiles.
All these improvements work together with the Aster 30 B1NT missile to give the SAMP/T NG the ability to track and intercept dangerous threats flying at high speeds. The system is now often compared to the American Patriot PAC-3 MSE air defense system. While the two are different in design, they are both made to defeat similar threats, including advanced missiles and high-speed aircraft.
One major benefit of the B1NT missile is its dual-use ability. It can be deployed on both land and naval platforms, increasing flexibility for countries like France and Italy. Also, the system gives European countries an independent solution that doesn’t rely on American defense systems. This helps them maintain more control over their national security.
Why the Aster 30 B1NT Is Exactly What Ukraine Needs
By October 2025, Ukraine is anticipated to receive a third SAMP/T air defense battery, adding to its current two. These systems are from the previous generation, though. The Aster 30 B1NT-equipped new SAMP/T NG system would be a major improvement for Ukraine’s air defense.
Ukraine may better defend itself against high-tech and fast weaponry with this missile. Among them are Russian hypersonic missiles such as the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal and the 3M22 Zircon. These weapons are very fast and can change direction mid-flight, making them extremely hard to stop. The B1NT missile is specifically built to take on such threats.
Experts have observed that even the current Patriot systems may have difficulty dealing with some hypersonic missiles. This makes the Aster 30 B1NT an important and much-needed addition to Europe’s defense capability — and especially useful for Ukraine.
MBDA, the company that builds the B1NT, has increased its production. In fact, the company recently announced that it had exceeded its original targets by 500%. This increase shows how urgently these missiles are needed and how important they are for both European and partner nations.
The Aster 30 B1NT missile’s role in the SAMP/T NG system reflects a big step forward in Europe’s missile defense efforts. Its proven ability to intercept both traditional and hypersonic threats makes it a powerful tool in protecting nations from modern airborne dangers.
