Fact Sheet: ASTER 30 Missile System and 3rd Generation Networked Air Defence System

The ASTER 30 Missile System is an all-weather, next generation Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile (MSAM) system that will replace the I-HAWK¹ system. It is part of the RSAF's on-going force renewal to enhance the 3^rd Generation RSAF networked air defence capabilities to defend Singapore against a wide spectrum of air threats.

Details of ASTER 30's capabilities are outlined below:

a. Anti-Aircraft and Anti-Missile Capability. The ASTER 30 will have enhanced air defence capabilities as compared to the I-HAWK system. It is a versatile Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) system that is able to counter a wide spectrum of air threats ranging from fighters, helicopters, UAVs to precision-guided munitions.

b. Enchanced Awareness and Responsiveness. The ASTER 30 will be integrated into the RSAF's networked air defence system. This allows the ASTER 30 to tap the real-time integrated air situation picture collated by the RSAF's array of sensors, which will enhance awareness. The ASTER 30 is thus able to react promptly and effectively against threats.

c. Increased Effectiveness. The ASTER 30 will provide the RSAF with an extended engagement envelope of up to 70km against fighter aircraft. The ASTER 30 also has the ability to engage multiple air threats simultaneously.

Technical Specifications

a.     Technical Name: ASTER 30 Missile System

b.     Developer: MBDA (France)

c.     Guidance: Active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker

d.     Maximum intercept range: 70km against fighter aircraft

e.     Maximum intercept altitude: 60,000ft (20km)

f.      Maximum speed: Mach 4.5

g.     Weight: 450kg

h.     Length 5m

3^rd Generation Networked Air Defence System

The RSAF's 3rd Generation Networked Air Defence (NAD) system (refer to Diagram 1 below) comprises an inter-connected suite of advanced sensors, Command & Control Systems and Weapon Systems. The sensors, such as the Gulfstream-550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft, detect and identify incoming air threats, thereby providing an integrated real-time air picture. The newly-acquired ASTER 30 and the SPYDER weapon systems offer us extended engagement ranges against airborne threats compared to the I-HAWK and RAPIER systems that they replace. The NAD system provides the RSAF with enhanced awareness, responsiveness, precision and resilience against a wide spectrum of aerial threats. Some components of the 3^rd Generation NAD include:

a. The Gulfstream-550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft which the RSAF took delivery of in 2009 enhances the RSAF's early warning air defence capability. It provides better endurance and a more precise air situation picture to a range of more than 370km, enabling the RSAF to see farther and respond more effectively to various operational situations.

b. The SPYDER² which the RSAF took delivery of in 2011, is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile system capable of engaging a wide spectrum of aerial threats including fighter aircraft and precision-guided munitions.

c. The ASTER 30 Missile System is a next generation Ground-Based air defence Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile (MSAM) system that will replace the I-HAWK system. The ASTER 30 will provide the RSAF with an extended engagement envelope of up to 70km against fighter aircraft. The ASTER 30 also has the ability to engage multiple air threats simultaneously.

¹ The I-HAWK has served the RSAF for thirty years.

² Surface-to-air PYthon-5 and DERby - Short-Range (SPYDER) ground base air defence system

Diagram 1: The 3rd Generation RSAF Networked Air Defence system

More Resources

Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base