Italian Navy's PPA 'Giovanni delle Bande Nere' Successfully Fires Aster 30, Qualifies SAAM-ESD Air Defense System

The Italian Navy has achieved a significant milestone with the successful qualification of the MBDA Italia SAAM-ESD PPA (Surface Anti-Air Missile – Extended Self Defence) system. The multi-purpose combat ship Giovanni delle Bande Nere (P 434), a Thaon di Revel-class PPA (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) in its "Full configuration," carried out the crucial Aster 30 missile firing on February 18 as part of a comprehensive qualification process.

This successful test marks a key advancement in the ship’s air defense capabilities, integrating the SAAM-ESD system with the vessel’s Command Management System (CMS). The missile test, conducted at the Italian Joint Armed Forces Firing Range (PISQ) in Eastern Sardinia, demonstrated the vessel’s ability to engage and intercept threats effectively. The Aster 30 missile, fitted with a telemetric head, successfully passed at an effective distance from a simulated anti-ship missile target (Leonardo Mirach 100/5), confirming its operational efficiency.

According to the ship’s commander, Claudia de Cesare, the launch was executed flawlessly, meeting all planned objectives. The collaboration between the Italian Navy, MBDA Italia, Leonardo, Fincantieri, and the OCCAR-EA PPA Programme Division played a crucial role in the success of this milestone.

The SAAM-ESD PPA system is a state-of-the-art air defense solution designed to enhance self-defense and provide protection to other naval units in a task force scenario. The system integrates the Naval Group A50 vertical launching system, supporting Aster 15, Aster 30, and the advanced Aster 30 Block 1NT missiles. The launchers are linked to the Leonardo Dual Band Radar (DBR), which includes the C-band Kronos Quad and the X-band Kronos StarFire AESA radars, ensuring highly accurate tracking and engagement of aerial threats.

Following this qualification, Giovanni delle Bande Nere is now prepared to participate in Formidable Shield 2025, a NATO-led Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) exercise at the UK’s Hebrides range in Scotland. This event will position the vessel alongside allied naval forces, reinforcing Italy’s role in international missile defense operations.

The success of the Aster 30 missile test not only cements the capabilities of the Thaon di Revel-class PPA ships but also highlights the Italian Navy’s commitment to advancing its air defense systems. With this qualification, Italy's naval fleet gains a cutting-edge defense capability, ensuring enhanced protection against modern aerial threats in an increasingly complex maritime security environment.