France fields AST-78 interceptor drone for military use

French company Asterodyn said it is continuing deliveries of its AST-78 interceptor system to “French state military stakeholders”, confirming the operational use of the high-speed unmanned platform.

An announcement made on 25 March 2026 said that interceptor drones, such as the AST-78, are designed to provide a flexible option for engaging threats when traditional systems may be less efficient or too costly.

According to Asterodyn, the AST-78 interceptor is designed for demanding missions and combines speed, range and payload capacity in a compact platform. The system is capable of reaching speeds of up to 400 kilometers per hour, with an operational range of 30 kilometers and a payload capacity of 1 kilogram.

The company stated that the system is built on extensive operational experience, citing thousands of flight hours in extreme environments. Asterodyn said the AST-78 has demonstrated the ability to reach an altitude of 6,000 meters within three minutes after ground launch.

As noted by the company, the system can be deployed either from the ground or released from aircraft. Asterodyn said the interceptor has completed dozens of airborne deployment tests from helicopters and fixed-wing platforms.

This dual-launch capability allows operators to position the interceptor closer to potential targets, reducing response time and increasing engagement flexibility. Airborne deployment also enables coverage over wider operational areas.

Interceptor drones such as the AST-78 are designed to rapidly close the distance with aerial targets. Their performance characteristics, including high climb rate and speed, are intended to enable interception of fast-moving or high-altitude threats.