The French Air Force (ALA) has carried out the first firing of an Aster 30 surface-to-air medium-range missile (SAMP) at the Direction Générale de l’Armament missile test range in Biscarrosse, France.

During the test, conducted by the ALA Servance air defence squadron, the SAMP battery engaged the offensive target at a range of about 40km, achieving all operational expectations.

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The firing trials, which destroyed the target 30km from the point defended by the SAMP section, complete the first phase of process for the Luxeuil-based squadron.

The ALA Servance squadron is tasked with protecting a fixed site with an SAMP detachment, according to defense-aerospace.com.

The five ALA air-defence squadrons are scheduled to operate ten SAMP sections.

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