Missile Aspide

The Aspide was developed in the 1970s to replace license-built AIM-7 Sparrows used on F-104S Starfighter interceptors. While the airframe is similar to the Sparrow, the system was designed with distinct internal components and guidance technology.

The missile operates in air-to-air and surface-to-air roles. Guidance is provided by a semi-active radar homing seeker utilizing inverse monopulse technology, which provides resistance to electronic countermeasures. The flight control system employs closed-loop hydraulics to facilitate downrange maneuverability. Surface-to-air variants utilize cropped delta wings to accommodate launch canisters. The missile is equipped with a solid-propellant rocket motor and a warhead. The Mk. 1 version served as the baseline model, while the Aspide 2000 was developed as an updated surface-to-air variant for use in air-defense systems. A version featuring an active radar-homing seeker, designated Mk. 2, was developed but development was discontinued. The rocket engine is produced in Turkey.

The system is widely deployed on ground-based, shipboard, and aerial platforms. In its air-to-air configuration, it was utilized by upgraded F-104 aircraft. Surface-to-air applications include ground-based complexes such as Spada and Skyguard, and the naval Albatros system. The missile has been exported to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. China produced the missile under license and utilized the technology to develop the HQ-6 and PL-11 missile families. During the Russo-Ukrainian War, the system was transferred to Ukraine for air defense operations. In several operator nations, the missile has been replaced by the AIM-120 AMRAAM and Meteor for aerial roles, and the Aster missile for surface-to-air requirements.

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