# UK MoD Awards Aster Integration Study

The UK Ministry of Defence awarded MBDA UK a **£2.2 million** contract on 30 October 2026 for a 10-month study assessing whether the Aster missile can be integrated with the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System. The work may inform future Royal Navy ship designs and weapons choices, but it does not approve or commit the Royal Navy to fielding the missile.

- The study focuses on potential compatibility between an existing missile and launch system; its findings may shape any subsequent integration, testing, or certification work.
- Contractors with relevant launcher-interface, canister, safety-testing, and certification capabilities can assess their fit for potential follow-on work, if the study leads to further procurement.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Government Entities
- Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- Royal Navy

### Vendors
- MBDA UK (awardee)

### Sources
- [MoD has confirmed the award on 30/10/26 of £2.2M 10-month contract to @MBDAGroup to study the potential compatibility of the Aster missile with the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System.

https://t.co/uzdYeSkEVL https://t.co/aeY4a6nrWd](https://x.com/NavyLookout/status/2117925614565097588) - twitter-defense