Singapore Aster 30 achieves full operational capability
The Aster 30 missile (pictured above) is a two-stage kinetic kill effector fitted with an active seeker with an interception range of approximately 100 km against threats operating at altitudes up to 20,000 m. (Janes/Patrick Allen)
The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) Aster 30 SAMP/T (Sol-Air Moyenne-Portée/Terrestre or surface-to-air medium range/land based) self-propelled surface-to-air missile (SAM) system has achieved full operational capability (FOC), the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said in a press release on 29 November.
According to MINDEF, the system has replaced the Raytheon MIM-23B Improved Homing All the Way Killer (I-HAWK) missile systems in the 163 Squadron of the RSAF.
Aster 30 is a part of Singapore's Island Air Defence (IAD) system and is integrated with other sensors, shooters, and command-and-control systems in the IAD system to provide a multilayered, networked, and alert air defence to the island, MINDEF said.
Major Graci Wong, commanding officer of 163 Squadron, said in a video footage shared by MINDEF with Janes, “My Squadron has been operating the Aster 30 system since 2020 and it is the final key component to be networked into the RSAF's Air Defence and Operations Command.”
With the system achieving FOC, the RSAF has attained a multilayered air-defence system, which can intercept a variety of air threats such as fighter aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and precision-guided munitions, Maj Wong said.
Among Singapore's air-defence systems, Aster 30 has the longest interception range of 70 km, she added.
According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence, the Aster 30 missile is a two-stage kinetic kill effector fitted with an active seeker and can intercept threats operating at altitudes up to 20,000 m.
