UK commits to Aster missile upgrade
In future, the UK's Daring-class type 45 destroyers will carry a mix of Aster 30 Block 1 and CAMM missiles. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
The UK first announced plans to upgrade its Aster missiles in its 2021 Integrated Review.
The UK, through OCCAR, has signed an amendment to join the multi-national partnership between France and Italy to produce the Aster 30 Block 1 missile.
The contract will oversee conversion of the UK’s missiles to Aster 30 Block 1 naval standard as part of a mid-life update.
The Block 1 features a Ku-band seeker allowing for ‘neutralisation’ of 600km-range ballistic threats, according to documents from missile-maker MBDA.
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RN plans Type 45 ballistic missile defence, eyes future counter-hypersonic capability
Under the new contract amendment, munitions assembly will take place at Defence Munitions Gosport (DMG).
Through the Sea Viper Evolution (SVE) project, the UK plans to field a ballistic missile defence (BMD) capability by the late 2020s.
The Aster 30 Block 1 upgrade is part of this work alongside plans for software updates to the Sampson multi-function radar (MFR) and Sea Viper C2 missile system.
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