France’s new ASN4G hypersonic missile is set to redefine nuclear deterrence by 2035.

As reported by Futura Sciences on December 26, 2024, the French ASN4G (Air-Sol Nucléaire de 4ème Génération) missile is scheduled to become operational by 2035 and is designed to enhance France’s ability to maintain credible deterrence in evolving geopolitical and technological environments. This hypersonic, air-launched nuclear missile, currently under development by MBDA France with support from ONERA, is intended to replace the ASMPA (Air-Sol Moyenne Portée Amélioré) missile as part of France’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
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In 2014, the French Ministry of Armed Forces confirmed the ASN4G program, with initial research focusing on two key approaches: stealth and hypervelocity. (Picture source: ONERA)

The ASN4G is expected to achieve speeds between Mach 6 and Mach 7, significantly surpassing the ASMPA's capabilities. This speed, coupled with advanced maneuverability, will enable the missile to evade radar detection and interception by sophisticated air defense systems. The range of the ASN4G will exceed 1,000 kilometers, doubling that of the ASMPA and providing greater operational flexibility. The missile will also feature stealth characteristics achieved through the use of specialized materials, reducing radar visibility while withstanding extreme aerodynamic and thermal conditions during flight.

Propulsion for the ASN4G is based on a scramjet engine, developed as part of the PROMETHEE program. This propulsion system uses mixed-combustion technology to transition between subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic speeds, ensuring the missile’s capability to maintain high velocity over long distances. The missile’s compact design ensures compatibility with existing platforms, including the Rafale F5 fighter jet and future systems such as the Next Generation Fighter (NGF) from the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. It will also be deployable from French aircraft carriers.

The development of the ASN4G began in the 1990s alongside the modernization of the ASMPA. In 2014, the French Ministry of Armed Forces confirmed the program, with initial research focusing on two key approaches: stealth and hypervelocity. The choice to prioritize hypersonic speed was based on its effectiveness in penetrating increasingly advanced anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems.

Research under the PROMETHEE program has included the development of scramjet propulsion and other hypersonic technologies. Advanced computational tools, such as ONERA’s CEDRE simulation software, have been employed to optimize the missile's design. The project also explores quantum computing applications to enhance modeling and propulsion efficiency. The MIHYSYS program, launched in 2024, further supports the development of hypersonic propulsion technologies, including simulations of combustion chambers and improvements in propulsion performance.

The ASN4G is part of France’s broader strategy to modernize its nuclear deterrence capabilities. It will be integrated with the Rafale F5 fighter jet and compatible with future platforms. Its deployment will reinforce the airborne component of France’s nuclear deterrence, currently managed by the Strategic Air Forces (FAS) and the Naval Nuclear Air Force (FANu). The missile’s ability to perform complex maneuvers at hypersonic speeds ensures its effectiveness against advanced missile defense systems.

In parallel, related efforts include the development of the V-MAX hypersonic glide vehicle by ArianeGroup, complementing the goals of the ASN4G program. Initial tests of the V-MAX vehicle and plans for a follow-up demonstrator, V-MAX2, reflect France’s focus on advancing hypersonic technologies for defense applications.

The ASN4G is being developed to address evolving global security challenges and ensure France’s nuclear deterrent remains credible through the 2050s. It responds to advancements in air defense systems and the increasing complexity of A2/AD environments. By enhancing the range, speed, and survivability of its nuclear arsenal, France aims to maintain its strategic autonomy and adapt to emerging threats.

General Stéphane Virem, Commander of the Strategic Air Forces, has emphasized the missile’s role in ensuring the penetration of adversary defenses. Similarly, Admiral Hervé de Bonnaventure, advisor to MBDA’s CEO, highlighted the technological advancements made in the ASN4G’s design, including its compatibility with existing and future platforms. The missile’s development also aligns with France’s broader defense modernization efforts, including the introduction of stealth combat drones operated from Rafale cockpits.

The ASN4G is expected to be operational by 2035, with a service life extending beyond 2050. Its development represents a continuation of France’s commitment to maintaining an independent and credible nuclear deterrent. Through the integration of hypersonic propulsion, advanced stealth, and extended range, the missile aims to ensure the efficacy of France’s deterrence posture in an increasingly contested security environment.