France Successfully Tests Updated ASMPA Supersonic Nuclear Missile

France has successfully tested the updated ASMPA supersonic missile, enhancing its nuclear deterrence capabilities. The test underscores France's commitment to maintaining a credible defense amid global nuclear tensions.

France has achieved a major advancement in its defense capabilities by successfully testing the updated ASMPA supersonic missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The announcement was made by the country’s Defence Minister, Sébastien Lecornu.

Successful Test Flight

In a statement on the social media platform X, Lecornu confirmed that a strategic Rafale fighter jet from the Air Force executed the first flight test of the upgraded ASMPA missile. Lecornu wrote, “The Rafale fighter jet of the strategic air forces has just successfully carried out the first flight test of the updated supersonic nuclear ASMPA missile without a warhead.”

This missile test was part of the Durandal military exercises, which are scheduled from May 13 to June 14. Lecornu emphasized that the successful launch underscores the reliability of France’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Significant Investment in Defense

The French government has outlined substantial investments in defense as part of its military planning law. This includes allocating 16 billion euros until 2030 to replenish ammunition stockpiles, 5 billion euros for the purchase of drones, and another 5 billion euros for intelligence purposes. These investments are aimed at strengthening the overall military capability and readiness of France.

About the ASMPA Missile

The ASMPA (air-sol moyenne portée) is a medium-range air-to-surface missile manufactured by MBDA France. It is designed to be launched from aircraft, particularly the Rafale fighter jet. In French nuclear doctrine, the ASMPA is referred to as a "pre-strategic" weapon, serving as a last-resort warning shot before the full-scale deployment of strategic nuclear weapons from France's Triomphant-class ballistic missile submarines.

Global Context and Nuclear Tensions

France’s missile test occurs amid heightened global nuclear tensions. Concurrently, Russia has been conducting military exercises in its Southern Military District, focusing on the preparation and deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, these exercises are intended to ensure the readiness of personnel and equipment for the deployment of nuclear weapons in response to provocations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made several threatening statements regarding the use of nuclear weapons. Early in the Ukraine conflict, Putin placed Russia’s nuclear forces on “special alert” and threatened to use “all available means” to defend occupied territories in Ukraine. In early 2023, he suspended Russia’s participation in the New START treaty with the United States and announced the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Implications for International Security

The successful test of the ASMPA missile by France highlights the ongoing modernization of its nuclear arsenal and the importance it places on maintaining a credible deterrent. In the context of rising global tensions and the potential for nuclear conflict, this development underscores the strategic importance of such capabilities.

France’s commitment to updating its military technology and ensuring the readiness of its defense forces reflects a broader trend among nuclear-armed states to enhance their strategic assets amid a complex and evolving international security environment.