MBDA May 26 said it had two successful launches May 18 and 19 demonstrating the effectiveness of its Aster missiles.
Both launches were from the Italian navy’s Cavour carrier, and MBDA aided the launches.
The launches were to test the effectiveness of the SAAM/IT system: one in autonomous mode and the other in integrated mode, controlled by the combat system, the company said in a statement. The autonomous mode launch was intended to test the SAAM/IT system’s ability to search, identify and intercept an attacking sea-skimmer missile as a direct threat to the ship itself.
The purpose of the integrated trial was to demonstrate the combat management system’s ability to target threats and to designate the SAAM/IT system to neutralize a threat similar to a sea-skimmer missile.
In both trials, the threat was simulated using a MIRACH aerial target, configured as a missile.
Both launches were entirely successful and the Aster missiles completed their tasks as required.
MBDA CEO Antoine Bouvier said: “These successful launches are further proof of MBDA’s technical capacities.”
Antonio Perfetti, managing director and CEO of MBDA Italia and executive group director Sales & Business Development MBDA Group, said: “The success of these launches demonstrates to all our domestic and export clients that the SAAM/IT system is now fully operational.”
MBDA is held 37.5 percent by BAE Systems, 37.5 percent by EADS and 25 percent by Finmeccanica.