France Successfully Tests Launch of Upgraded ASMPA_R Nuclear-Capable Missile from Rafale Fighter.

On May 22, 2024, the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) announced the successful first evaluation launch of the upgraded ASMPA_R medium-range air-to-surface strategic missile. This unarmed missile was launched from a Rafale fighter jet belonging to the French Strategic Air Forces during a flight that simulated a typical raid mission.
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An ASMPA_R medium-range air-to-surface strategic missile was test launched from a Fighter fighter jet. (Picture source: French DGA)

The test marks a significant milestone in enhancing France's strategic air-to-surface missile capabilities, ensuring the reliability and performance of the upgraded ASMPA_R system. The successful launch underscores the ongoing commitment to maintaining and advancing national defense technologies.

The air-sol moyenne portée (ASMP; "medium-range air to surface missile") is a French nuclear air-launched cruise missile developed by MBDA France. It was introduced into service in May 1986, replacing the older free-fall AN-22 bomb on France's Dassault Mirage IV aircraft and the AN-52 bomb on Dassault Super Étendard. The ASMP is carried by Dassault Mirage 2000N, Dassault Rafale, and Super Étendard aircraft. The Mirage IVP also carried the ASMP until its retirement in 1996.

An upgraded version, the Air-Sol Moyenne Portée-Amélioré (ASMP-A), boasts a range of about 500 km (310 miles) and a top speed of up to Mach 3, equipped with the new 300 kt Tête Nucléaire Aéroportée (TNA) thermonuclear warhead. The ASMP-A entered service in October 2009 with the Mirage 2000NK3 of squadron EC 3/4 at Istres and in July 2010 with the Rafales of squadron EC 1/91 at Saint Dizier. A total of 54 ASMP-A missiles have been delivered to the French Air and Space Force.

The ASMPA-R (renovated) project, initiated in 2016, aims to extend the missile's range and incorporate a new 300 kt thermonuclear warhead.

France is one of the world's recognized nuclear-armed states, maintaining a robust and independent nuclear deterrent known as the "Force de Frappe." This deterrent is designed to ensure national security and strategic independence. France possesses approximately 290 nuclear warheads, though this number can change slightly due to maintenance and modernization efforts. The French nuclear arsenal is delivered via two main platforms: Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) and air-launched cruise missiles.

The French SLBM capability is centered around four Le Triomphant-class submarines: Le Triomphant, Le Téméraire, Le Vigilant, and Le Terrible. Each of these submarines carries M51 SLBMs, with the latest version, the M51.2, having a range of approximately 10,000 kilometers. These missiles can be equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), each carrying a nuclear warhead.

In addition to its SLBM capability, France also utilizes air-launched cruise missiles. The primary system in this category is the Air-Sol Moyenne Portée-Amélioré (ASMP-A) missile, which has a range of about 500 kilometers and can travel at speeds of up to Mach 3. The ASMP-A is equipped with the new 300 kt Tête Nucléaire Aéroportée (TNA) thermonuclear warhead. This missile entered service in October 2009 with the Mirage 2000NK3 of squadron EC 3/4 at Istres and in July 2010 with the Rafales of squadron EC 1/91 at Saint Dizier. A total of 54 ASMP-A missiles have been delivered to the French Air and Space Force.

The Dassault Rafale, a versatile twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft developed by Dassault Aviation, plays a crucial role in France's nuclear deterrence strategy. It is capable of launching the Air-Sol Moyenne Portée-Amélioré (ASMP-A) missile, a medium-range air-to-surface missile equipped with a 300 kt Tête Nucléaire Aéroportée (TNA) thermonuclear warhead. With a range of approximately 500 kilometers and speeds up to Mach 3, the ASMP-A enables the Rafale to conduct strategic nuclear strikes against high-value targets. Operational since July 2010, the Rafale's nuclear strike role is primarily handled by squadrons such as EC 1/91 "Gascogne" based at Saint Dizier Air Base.

Integrating the ASMP-A with the Rafale involves advanced avionics, targeting systems, and extensive pilot training to ensure precise delivery and secure handling. This capability enhances France's strategic flexibility by providing a credible second-strike option, reinforcing its "Force de Frappe" nuclear deterrent strategy. The Rafale's nuclear strike proficiency, underpinned by sophisticated technology and rigorous operational protocols, ensures that France maintains a robust and credible nuclear deterrent to deter potential adversaries through assured retaliation.