EuroSAM comprised Thomson-CSF and Selenia and was to start the SSAF programme that would develop the short range Aster 15 and medium range booster equipped Aster 30, together with radar, fore control and launching systems (land and naval). I really can’t see any confrontation with China not involving the US and it being a very high stakes fight. The first phase of the roadmap to ballistic missile defence would be to address the anti-ship ballistic missile, a threat to deployed naval shipping.The Block 1 ASTER 30 missile, currently in service with the land based SAMP/T system is capable of defeating short-range ballistic missiles.
This results from the ownership of a particular element for the overall scope of supply by a single member, regardless of whether that member has the best capability to deliver the eventual solution.In the Horizon procurement, the position of the Direction des Constructionnes Navales—part of the French Ministry of Defence, meant that it was overall customer (working with the Delegation General pour L’Armament), a shareholder in the prime contractor organisation (the International Joint Venture Company) and a subcontractor bidding for equipment supply with its HEPICS system in the combat management area. Presumably it could even be integrated into a SYLVER 70 launcher (although not by the looks of it SYLVER 50). Wait-and-see would not preclude the use of missile defence batteries in the region, and would not put the USA’s deterrent at risk.A little while ago, the US explored the idea of using Minuteman missile stages, launched from its monitored nuclear ICBM fields, to launch conventional hypersonic weapons – part of the American Prompt Global Strike concept. There is extensive commonality between the two variants with both missiles featuring the same terminal dart. MBDA completed a Project Definition and Risk Reduction study in 2015 for an Initial Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile Defence Capability.So it would seem that this first rung, enhancing the Type 45’s area air defence capability to include anti-ship ballistic missiles would be, and I use the word carefully, relatively straightforward and low risk.The next step, against medium-range ballistic missiles, would require the UK to purchase the Block 1NT Aster 30 missile.The step after that is the proposed Block 2 missile, and possibly, an A70 SLYVER VLS.What we don’t know of course is how Aster Block 2 would stack up against SM-6. Or have a friend or loved one who is? This is why the Royal Navy protects home and international waters.Currently serving in the Royal Navy? The combat management system integrates the information from both SAMPSON and the S1850. ASTER 30 has a larger booster than ASTER 15, reflective of their range and role.ASTER 15 is generally reported to have a range and altitude of 1.7km to 40 plus km and 13km respectively, and a maximum speed of Mach 3.5.ASTER 30 is generally reported to have a range and altitude of 3km to 120 plus km and 20km respectively, and a maximum speed of Mach 3.5.The blast fragmentation warhead is initiated by a Thales dual contact/proximity fuze and guidance is provided by a combination of off-board direction and onboard active RF seeker. The Sea Dart GWS-30 surface to air missile system began development in 1960s and first went to sea with HMS Bristol in 1973. It is a whole family of air defence and anti-missile systems which has been adopted by 11 armed forces around the world. Such a strategy may not have been in the long term interests of the UK and the soundness or otherwise of this approach would benefit from further examination in future collaborative programmes.Although currently undergoing some change, both French and Italian Government defence procurement methodologies were closer to the pre-Levene era of UK procurement rather than current UK practices either pre or post the introduction of the Smart Procurement Initiative. The French and Italian industrial organisations involved in Horizon had different approaches to competition and were not faced with a “winner takes all” situation in an environment where a national workshare deal was inevitable. France would use the Arabel radar and Italy, EMPAR. Aster’s terminal dart is a lightweight, highly manoeuvring and agile missile equipped with a high-performance active RF seeker. Our presence is key to achieving this.Ensuring the security of home and international waters is central to the stability and prosperity of Britain and the world economy.We work with our allies and partners to help cement the relationships that our nation depends on.Maintaining a state of readiness to protect the interests of Britain and our allies.Safeguarding the essential trade routes that Britain depends on for 95% of its economic activity.Our ability to overcome adverse conditions means we’re often the first to respond when disaster strikes.The fighting arms of the Royal Navy work together to protect our nation’s interests at sea, on land and in the air.