Super Hornets supported by Hawkeyes provide the outer interdiction layer in the preferred 2006 arrangement. The quoted envelope for the original Aster 30 reaches 120 km, with diving targets engaged as high as 72,000 feet. Interception around 22 km above the ship creates separation from the defended point. Ballistic and hypersonic weapons remain threats, but counters exist and should engage them as far above the ship as possible. Saturation creates a separate problem even when individual targets lie within a weapon's technical capability.
Notable Point · 3:30:40-3:32:25
Aster 30 and high-altitude interception
Interception high above a ship creates defensive separation, while missile quantity remains a separate concern.