990-lb missile that can hit stealth aircraft, ballistic threats tested

The ASTER B1 New Technology (B1NT) missile, developed by the European consortium Eurosam, has undergone successful live-fire testing at the DGA Essais de Missiles range in France. This upgraded 990-lb (450 kg) missile variant demonstrates enhanced capabilities to intercept advanced aerial threats, including stealth aircraft, low-signature cruise missiles, maneuvering short-range ballistic missiles, and hypersonic targets. The recent tests validated its long-range interception capacity, reaching up to 150 km, and showcased improvements in propulsion, control systems, and guidance technology based on a Ka-band seeker and new interception algorithms. Designed for integration within the next-generation SAMP/T NG air defense system, the ASTER B1NT offers a significant performance boost over previous versions. The SAMP/T NG system features advanced multifunction radar, digital command and control with enhanced data fusion, and improved mobility, enabling rapid deployment and interoperability with NATO air and missile defense networks. Eurosam highlights that the ASTER family