French Navy tests Aster 30 missile
The French air defence frigate Chevalier Paul carried out test firing of the Aster 30 surface to air missile on 13 January. The test was conducted in co-ordination with the DGA.
The tests were conducted to explore the outer limits of the field of discrimination of the ship’s air-defence system and weapons, and namely to distinguish two targets - a friendly aircraft and an enemy one flying close to each other - and to engage the latter.
The firing confirmed the capabilities of the ship’s area air defence system.
With this success, the Chevalier Paul and her on-board Caiman marine helicopter are ready to escort aircraft carrier battle groups as part of its missions.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
-
Thinning Arctic ice reveals naval capability gaps and new opportunities
As sea ice extent hits a record low and geopolitical tensions increase in the High North, navies are contending to adopt the technologies needed to operate beneath an increasingly unpredictable Arctic Ocean.
-
Lockheed Martin confirms 2029 target date for US Navy’s Aegis/PAC-3 MSE integration
Enabling Aegis-equipped vessels to launch PAC-3 MSE interceptors will give the USN more options to engage highly manoeuvrable hypersonic missiles – including the ones China has been developing.