French
directorate of armament (Direction Générale de l’Armement/ DGA) has launched a modernization program for the
country’s SAMP/T ground based air defence system. The Aster Block 1 NT (New
Technology) programme will cover the modernization of the Aster 30 interceptor
and associated SAMP/T extended range air defence system that will evolve to
provide missile defence capabilities. The modernization of the current SAMP/T
system will enhance the capabilities of the system, particularly against
ballistic missiles. Aster 30 is currently in service with French and Italian
forces.
French soldiers scan the horizon for possible threats with the French weapon system during exercise Ramstein Legacy 22. NATO and partner nations are taking part in exercise Ramstein Legacy 22, a NATO large-scale live-fire air defence exercise. Seventeen Allied and partner countries trained in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland with aircraft, missile defence systems and electronic warfare systems from 6 to 10 June 2022.