10. April 2017

Second successful ASTER 30 missile launch from a FREMM Frigate

On 10th April 2017, the Italian FREMM frigate Bergamini achieved the Final Qualification of the SAAM-ESD (Surface Anti Air Missile - Extended Self Defence) system by successfully carrying out the second ASTER 30 firing of the FREMM Programme. The firing took place at the Italian Joint Firing Range (PISQ) in Easter Sardinia and has been conducted in integrated mode of the Italian SAAM ESD system provided by MDBA Italy and the CMS (Combat Management System) provided by Leonardo, to the full satisfaction of the Italian Navy.

An instrumented telemetry ASTER 30 missile (procured by the OCCAR-EA FSAF-PAAMS Programme Division) was used for the firing. The target was a Mirach 100/5, simulating a sea skimmer anti-ship missile targeting a consort ship. The full success of the firing test confirmed the outstanding capabilities of the SAAM ESD against missiles, providing both Self Defence and Extended Self Defence (protection of consort ships) with its ASTER missiles (15 or 30).

The whole mission including a complex and ambitious test scenario was successfully completed to a demanding schedule, in closest cooperation between Italian Navy personnel, OCCAR-EA FREMM and FSAF-PAAMS Teams as well as Industry experts.