How Aster Missile Licensing Could Pave the Way for Ukraine to Get Comet Air-to-Air Missile with 200-300 km Range

Key Points:

• France has granted Ukraine licenses to manufacture Aster anti-aircraft missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and AASM Hammer glide bombs, potentially enabling Ukraine to develop related advanced weapon systems like the Thundart, a HIMARS analogue with a 150 km range.
• MBDA is developing a new long-range air-to-air missile, called Comet, with an expected range of 200–300 km based on Aster missile technology, aiming for deployment by 2030 to equip Rafale fighter jets Ukraine plans to acquire.
• The Comet missile development leverages the compact and adaptable Aster missile design, which is set to be produced under license in Ukraine, potentially involving Ukraine's defense industry in its production.
• Ukraine's initial Rafale jets may be older F3-R or F4 variants, but future deliveries could include F5 variants compatible with the Comet missile, while integration efforts may also extend to Sweden's Gripen E/F jets already ordered by Ukraine.
• The article highlights ongoing fundraising efforts by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation to support interceptor drones currently in use by Ukraine.