The hypersonic nuclear missile will have an extended range – over 621 miles (1,000 kilometers.)
President Emmanuel Macron has revealed that France’s next-generation Rafale fighter jets will be equipped with advanced hypersonic nuclear cruise missiles to enhance the country’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Macron made the announcement during his visit to Luxeuil Air Base in eastern France. The move comes as European nations seek to strengthen their nuclear deterrence amid uncertainties surrounding the future role of the United States.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has raised concerns across Europe, prompting several Western countries to bolster their defense capabilities.
Recently, Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, expressed intentions to reach out to France and the UK to discuss the potential sharing of nuclear weapons.
Macron has announced that by 2035, France will deploy nuclear-armed fighter jets to the Luxeuil airbase, located near the German border. The announcement was made just before his planned visit to Germany.
French Rafale F5 fighter jets and airbase modernization
The Rafale F5 fighter jet, currently under development, will be the first French fighter jet to feature a “loyal wingman” option. This will complement the jet’s advanced capabilities in connectivity, electronic warfare, and information superiority.
The Rafale is a versatile multi-role fighter jet capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air defense, nuclear deterrence, power projection, deep strike operations, air support for ground forces, and reconnaissance.
Available in both single-seater and two-seater versions, the Rafale is designed for use by the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
The current Rafale variant used by the French military boasts a top speed of 863 miles per hour (750 knots) and a maximum takeoff weight of 54,000 lbs (24.5 tons).
President Macron has announced that France will invest approximately $1.6 billion to modernize the Luxeuil air base, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility capable of housing the latest nuclear missile technology. This effort aims to strengthen France’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
The Luxeuil air base will host two squadrons of the advanced Rafale F5 fighter jets, totaling 40 aircraft.
The ASN4G Hypersonic Nuclear Missiles
The ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile is currently under development by MBDA with support from ONERA. It is a fourth-generation air-to-surface hypersonic missile designed to provide enhanced stealth and maneuverability. According to the developers, the ASN4G will achieve speeds of Mach 7, powered by a ramjet engine, enabling it to penetrate advanced air defense systems.
France also anticipates that the hypersonic nuclear missile will have an extended range of over 621 miles (1,000 kilometers).
The ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missiles will eventually replace the ASMPA missiles currently in use by the French defense forces. The ASMPA is a supersonic missile armed with a nuclear warhead, with a range of 372 miles (600 km). France currently has 54 of these missiles.
Once the new-generation ASN4G missiles are deployed, the ASMPA will be phased out. The introduction of these long-range hypersonic nuclear missiles, expected in the 2030s, will significantly strengthen France’s nuclear deterrence. It will also support European countries seeking to enhance their defenses with assistance from Paris.
