The Royal Navy is continuing to assess the potential compatibility of the Aster missile with the Mk41 vertical launch system as part of wider efforts to expand its missile flexibility.
In response to a written parliamentary question from Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty on progress integrating the Aster 30 missile into the Mk41 system, the Ministry of Defence referred to an earlier answer confirming that assessment work is ongoing rather than providing a specific programme update.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard said: “The Royal Navy has announced its intention to become a Mk41 Navy, to ensure that future combatants have a versatile missile launcher capable of deploying both offensive and defensive missiles.”
The Mk41 vertical launch system is a widely used modular launcher capable of firing a range of missile types, offering flexibility across air defence, strike and anti-submarine roles. The Royal Navy has already begun the process of introducing Mk41 cells on new platforms, including the Type 26 frigates.
Pollard indicated that the assessment of Aster is part of a broader review of potential weapons and effectors under development concepts for the fleet. He said the Navy is “currently assessing a range of effector options, including missiles, guns, lasers and drones as it develops the Hybrid Navy concept.”
The Aster family of missiles currently forms the backbone of the Royal Navy’s principal area air defence capability, deployed via the Sylver vertical launch system on Type 45 destroyers. However, no timeline has been provided on this effort.
Fine, as long as it doesn’t water down anti-ship and cruise.
It’s good to have options. If it’s done now, the T31 and T26 will be more capable, BUT, it can influence design choices on the T83 and those Drone ships packing more Ait Defence or Landstrike missiles.
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Bit of a strange article, the parliamentary answer just pointed to a previous question that had already been covered in UKDJ.
It one of those gap fillers. If you run out of ideas, recycle.