France, Italy, UK order more air defence missiles

PARIS: Paris, Rome and London said Friday they had ordered new air defence missiles after a shock US policy shift in ties with Europe.

European governments are under pressure to step up on defence after US President Donald Trump questioned whether the United States - the guarantor of Europe's security since World War II - should continue its central role in NATO.

"France, Italy and United Kingdom, confirm the order of 218 additional Aster missiles and the acceleration of delivery of already ordered Aster missiles," the countries said in a joint statement.


The deal underscored "the unwavering commitment of France, Italy and United Kingdom to bolster their air defence capabilities," they said.

It would also ensure "speedier delivery, from 2025, of 134 missiles previously ordered" in December 2022, French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on X.

Aster 15 and 30 missiles are produced by pan-European manufacturer MBDA.

The order is for an unspecified number of new Aster 30 B1 missiles, to enter into service next year, that are to be used in the future French and Italian SAMP/T land-to-air defence systems as well as the navy ships of the three nations.