France successfully tested on Wednesday March 23 the modernized version of its ASMPA nuclear missile, without charge, which is part of the air component of French deterrence, announced the Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly.
This announcement comes at the height of the war in Ukraine invaded by Russia, and while some observers are wondering about a potential military escalation by Russia.
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Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces, expresses her great satisfaction after the success on March 23, 2022 of the qualification firing of the improved strategic Air-to-ground medium-range missile (ASMPA) renovated, devoid of its military load
", according to a press release from the ministry.
"
The missile, developed by (the French manufacturer, editor's note) MBDA, was fired by a Rafale which took off from the air base 120 of Cazaux
", in the south-west of France, according to the press release.
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This success marks the entry into the production phase of the renovated ASMPA missile, a prerequisite before its entry into service in the Strategic Air Forces of the Air and Space Force and in the Nuclear Naval Air Force of the French Navy.
“, specifies the press release.
The medium-range air-to-ground nuclear missile (ASMPA) was put into service in 2009 and is to be replaced around 2035 by a new-generation air-to-ground system (ASN4G).
France is the only country in the European Union with nuclear weapons, which can be used either by nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SNLE), or by Rafale aircraft equipped with ASMPA.
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