France’s air-launched nuclear deterrent undergoes major overhaul! Bafeng F5 equipped with hypersonic nuclear cruise missile is expected to enter service in 2035

A French Air Force Tornado fighter aircraft carried an ASMPA-R nuclear cruise missile on a mission in 2018. France is developing the next-generation Tornado F5 fighter jet and the ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile, and plans to reach qualification certification and service milestones around 2033 and 2035 respectively. (Picture taken from French Ministry of Defense)

[Compiled by Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report] France is simultaneously updating the fighter aircraft and missiles used in air-launched nuclear weapons. The next-generation "Rafale F5" fighter is expected to complete qualification certification around 2033, and the new "fourth-generation air-launched nuclear missile" (ASN4G) is expected to enter service in about 2035 to replace the current ASMPA-R nuclear missile. The military website "Army Recognition" reported that this new system will be used by the French Air Force and Naval Air Forces.

The report quoted an analysis published by the French economic media "L'Essentiel de l'éco" on the 6th and pointed out that the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) signed an ASN4G research and development contract with the European missile group MBDA on June 2 this year, and in September awarded preliminary contracts for the implementation phase of the F5 to Dassault Aerospace, MBDA, Safran and Thales. According to the current plan, the F5 will first complete qualification certification and then gradually enter service with the French Aerospace Force and Navy; ASN4G is expected to be put into use around 2035.

New missile emphasizes high speed and flight maneuverability

The design of ASN4G focuses on high-speed flight and maneuverability. The French Strategic Air Force has stated that the speed of this missile will exceed Mach 5 and can maneuver in flight. The goal is to improve the penetration capability in the face of advanced air defense systems. High speed can shorten the reaction time of the air defense system, and if the flight path can be changed, it will also increase the difficulty of interception.

However, the research and development information released by the French Defense Procurement Agency does not list the maximum speed, range, weight and nuclear warhead yield of ASN4G. The relevant figures circulated by the outside world cannot be regarded as official confirmed specifications. The missile is still in the research and development stage, and the design goals do not mean that actual testing has been completed.

The upgrade of the Storm F5 involves more than just nuclear missiles. France also plans to upgrade its fighter planes with new radars, electronic warfare systems and photoelectric sensors, and improve its data connection capabilities. France is also developing stealth unmanned combat aircraft, which can support Rafale fighter jets in performing missions in high-threat airspace in the future, including suppressing enemy air defense systems.

France currently uses submarine-launched ballistic missiles and air-launched nuclear weapons to form two nuclear deterrent forces, sea and air. The air-launch part is carried out by Rafale B-type fighters from land-based bases and Rafale M-type fighters from aircraft carriers. At this stage, they are equipped with ASMPA-R nuclear missiles. Compared with submarine-launched nuclear weapons, air-launched nuclear weapons feature that fighter jets can be ordered to return before launch, allowing France to retain more flexible deterrence options.

A Rafale B fighter of the French Strategic Air Force conducted a test launch of an ASMPA-R missile in May 2024. The missile was not loaded with a nuclear warhead. The French Ministry of Defense stated at the time that the refurbished ASMPA-R would maintain its air-launched nuclear deterrence capability until ASN4G takes over.