Update: MBDA delivers first batch of Aster missiles as part of production ramp-up

By 2026 MBDA aims to halve production lead times for Aster missiles compared with 2022 and deliver five times more than originally planned in 2025. (MBDA)

MBDA has delivered a first batch of Aster surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) less than two-and-a-half years after they were ordered from the Eurosam joint venture between MBDA and Thales.

Announcing the milestone on 30 July, MBDA said the delivery marked a first step in its commitment to meet accelerated timelines and ramp up production volumes to address the surge in orders from its customers and strengthen Europe's resilience in the face of new threats.

“The delivery of the first Aster missiles that benefited from significantly reduced production times is a success for all MBDA teams,” said Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA. “It demonstrates our commitment to working alongside our customers to ensure the ramp-up of our industrial facilities and the strengthening of our defence industrial and technological base.”

The original contract, which was placed in December 2022 as part of a joint acquisition led by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) for France and Italy, was supplemented in February with an additional order that brings the total production of Aster 15 and 30 missiles to nearly 1,000 for the armed forces of Italy, the United Kingdom, and France.

MBDA started introducing measures to ramp up production of missiles already on order as early as 2024, and the strategy to fast-track procurement was formalised in February when the additional missiles were ordered for all three countries.

MBDA said it has committed to more than halving production lead times for Aster missiles by 2026, and delivering five times more Aster missiles than originally planned in 2025.