France doubles up on Aster missile numbers for FDI frigates

France will double Aster missile capacity from 16 to 32 cells on each of its five Amiral Ronarc’h-class FDI frigates, the Directorate General of Armaments announced on 5 November 2026. Arrangements with Naval Group and MBDA provide for two additional eight-cell Sylver A50 vertical launch modules per ship, increasing capacity for Aster 15 and Aster 30 air defence missiles. Amiral Nomy and Amiral Cabanier will receive the 32-cell configuration before delivery. The navy will retrofit the additional modules to the first three ships, Amiral Ronarc’h, Amiral Louzeau and Amiral Castex.