Singapore Achieves “Full Operational Capability” for Aster 30
The Aster 30 is an air defense system capable of operating in all weather conditions and possesses the capability to address threats posed by fighter aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and guided projectiles.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Singapore’s Ministry of Defence declares that its medium-range air defense system, “Aster 30,” has achieved Full Capability Operational Status, approximately three years after deployment.
The statement from the Ministry of Defence of Singapore, as quoted by the republic’s media, states that the medium-range air defense system has been operational 24/7 by the country’s armed forces since August 2020.
The Aster 30 is an air defense system capable of operating in all weather conditions and addressing threats from fighter aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and guided projectiles.
It has the capability to handle threats from a greater distance compared to Singapore’s previous I-HAWK air defense system.
Developed by the European defense conglomerate MBDA, the Aster 30 air defense system can address enemy threats from a range of 70 km and at an altitude of 18 km.
With a length of 5 meters and a weight of 450 kg, the guided projectile Aster 30 can reach speeds of up to Mach 4.5.
During a visit to the Aster 30 air defense system battery at Lim Chu Kang Camp three years ago, Singapore’s Minister of Defence, Ng Eng Hen, stated that the Aster-30 defense system is integrated into the nation’s overall defense system.
The entire air defense network of Singapore connects the Aster 30 with several other air defense systems owned by the country, including the Gulfstream 500 early warning aircraft, multi-mission radar, and the “Spyder” short-range guided missile system.
The comprehensive air defense system of Singapore, known as Island Air Defence (IAD), is operated by the country’s air force and integrates advanced sensing systems, capable weaponry, control elements, and governance.
To ensure that the Singapore Air Force maintains its edge in air defense, it collaborates with the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to integrate and enhance the capabilities of IAD.
By integrating key components such as the Multi-Mission Radar (MMR), System for Hybrid Interceptor Knowledge of Recognised Air (SHIKRA) Radar, smart Combat Management System (CMS), and the Aster 30 guided projectile into the IAD system, it becomes more capable of “seeing farther,” “shooting farther,” and “operating more intelligently.”
The IAD system of the Singapore Air Force has the capability to neutralize air threats across a broader spectrum to protect the airspace of the republic day and night.
Various platforms are employed by the Singapore Air Force within its IAD system to ensure that the airspace of the republic is constantly secure from all threats. — DSA
DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA APPS
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