![\"ASN4G](\"https:\/\/theaviationist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Frannce-ASN4G-Hypersonic-1-460x259.jpg\")
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France has given the go-ahead to defense major MBDA to proceed with the development of the ASN4G (Air-Sol Nucl\u00e9aire de 4\u00e8me G\u00e9n\u00e9ration)<\/strong> nuclear strike cruise missile. Planned to be inducted by 2035, it would be carried by the Rafale F5<\/a> and the naval Rafale M variant, assigned to the Strategic Air Forces (Forces A\u00e9riennes Strat\u00e9giques \u2013 FAS) and the Nuclear Naval Air Force Force A\u00e9ronavale Nucl\u00e9aire \u2013 FANu), respectively.<\/p>\n Awarding the contract on Jun. 2, 2026, the Directorate General of Armaments<\/a> (Direction G\u00e9n\u00e9rale de l\u2019Armement \u2013 DGA) also revealed that the fourth generation missile will fly at hypersonic speeds. The ASN4G will replace the current Air-sol Moyenne Port\u00e9e Am\u00e9lior\u00e9 R\u00e9nov\u00e9 (ASMPA-R\/Improved Medium-Range Air-to-Surface Strategic Missile Renovated).<\/p>\n The ASMPA-R was itself an improvement over the older ASMP-A. The weapon was successfully test-fired with an inert warhead in May 2024<\/a>, and then shown for the first time underneath a Marine Nationale (French Navy) Rafale M<\/a> in November 2025.<\/p>\n \u2014 Direction g\u00e9n\u00e9rale de l\u2019armement The start of the work on the new nuclear weapon comes amid France\u2019s proactive role<\/a> in bolstering NATO\u2019s eastern flank before Russia with support to Ukraine<\/a>, strengthening its nuclear deterrent<\/a> and later expanding it to cover Europe<\/a>. One of the measures involves the reopening of Luxeuil Air Base with an investment of 1.5 billion Euros.<\/p>\n The accompanying image in the DGA press release showed a yet unseen image of the launch of a test vehicle with a tall vertical stabilizer, assisted by two rocket boosters. The caption identified the vehicle as the Th\u00e9mis technology demonstrator, although it is unclear if this demonstrator is representative of the final production ASN4G.<\/p>\n The DGA release said: \u201cThe Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) notified MBDA on June 2, 2026, of the framework agreement for the implementation and development contract of the fourth generation nuclear Air-to-Sol missile (ASN4G).\u201d<\/p>\n Pendant que la France dort\u2026 Pour \u00eatre pr\u00eat, \u00e0 tout moment. \u2014 Arm\u00e9e de l\u2019Air et de l\u2019Espace (@Armee_de_lair) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cThe performance of the ASN4G, and in particular its hypervelocity, will make it possible to maintain the credibility of airborne deterrence in the face of evolving threats,\u201d the DGA added.<\/p>\n As mentioned earlier, the DGA confirmed that the ASN4G will replace the upgraded ASMPA-R as part of the ongoing modernization of the airborne nuclear component. The ASMPA-R also figured in the March 2026 iteration of France\u2019s \u2018Poker\u2019<\/a> nuclear exercise.<\/p>\n \u201cA technological breakthrough compared to previous systems, ASN4G relies on technological and industrial know-how that few countries in the world possess,\u201d further said the DGA.<\/p>\n In a post on LinkedIn, MBDA CEO Eric B\u00e9ranger<\/a> confirmed the notification from the DGA for the development of the hypersonic ASN4G, to be fielded by 2035 as the new French airborne deterrence capacity. \u201cThis new capacity will be carried out by the future Rafale F5 fighter aircraft, serving as the ultimate and decisive weapon system that will ensure, in any circumstances, France\u2019s sovereignty and protection,\u201d added B\u00e9ranger.<\/p>\n\n Beranger also stressed the rare and cutting-edge technology carried in the ASN4G, which puts France in the small group of countries possessing such a capability. \u201cThe trust put on MBDA for this new development is the best testimony of MBDA\u2019s people know-how in mastering state-of-the-art technologies and the highest-end of complex weapons.\u201d<\/p>\n France was initially evaluating whether the ASN4G would be defined by stealth or hypersonic speeds, represented by the Camosis and the Prom\u00e9th\u00e9e upstream research programs. Both would however be powered by ramjets, according to a March 2023 report by Opex360<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n Admiral Herv\u00e9 de Bonnaventure then explained to a parliamentary panel why the hypersonic option prevailed. \u201cIt appears that very high performance in speed and maneuverability is the best method to achieve detection as late as possible, and complicate the task of tracking a radar, or even of locking onto it, and finally, to disrupt an anti-missile attack,\u201d said the Admiral.\u00a0<\/p>\n 3 February 1986. First flight of the first of two Dassault Mirage 2000N prototypes. Two seat variant of the French jet fighter Mirage 2000, designed for nuclear strike. here carrying a mock ASMP rocket, Magic 2 missiles and early underwing fuel tanks. pic.twitter.com\/lilfVhVLad<\/a><\/p>\n\n
![\"\u21aa\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/72x72\/21aa.png\")
Sa mise en service interviendra \u00e0 l\u2019horizon 2035<\/p>\n![\"\u27a1\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/72x72\/27a1.png\")
Il sera mis en \u0153uvre \u00e0 la fois par les Forces A\u00e9riennes Strat\u00e9giques et par la Force A\u00e9ronavale Nucl\u00e9aire
\n Il sera emport\u00e9 par le Rafale F5<\/p>\n![\"\ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/72x72\/1f1eb-1f1f7.png\")
(@DGA) June 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nModern missile system ensuring France\u2019s security<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nLa nuit derni\u00e8re, une quarantaine d\u2019a\u00e9ronefs ont sillonn\u00e9 le ciel fran\u00e7ais pour simuler un raid a\u00e9rien nucl\u00e9aire.
\nNom de code : Poker.<\/p>\n
\nPour garantir la cr\u00e9dibilit\u00e9 de la #dissuasion<\/a>. pic.twitter.com\/7ZLGxiQ4p6<\/a><\/p>\nHypersonic speed vs stealth<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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