President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the next generation of France’s Rafale fighters will be equipped with advanced hypersonic nuclear cruise missiles, reinforcing the country’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Macron made this and other statements during his visit to Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur Air Base in eastern France. The announcement comes at a time when European nations are looking to strengthen their nuclear deterrence capabilities amid uncertainty over the future role of the United States.
The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has raised significant concerns across Europe, prompting several Western countries to enhance their defense capabilities.
Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, recently stated that he would seek discussions with France and the United Kingdom on the potential joint use of nuclear weapons. In response, Macron announced that France will deploy nuclear-capable Rafale fighters to Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur Air Base, near the German border, by 2035. This statement comes ahead of his scheduled visit to Germany.
The Rafale F5, currently in development, will also be the first French fighter to feature a “loyal wingman” capability. Alongside this, the aircraft is expected to incorporate advancements in communication, electronic warfare, and information superiority.
The Rafale is a multirole fighter designed to perform a wide range of missions, including air defense, airspace patrol, nuclear deterrence, power projection, external deployments, deep strikes, close air support, and reconnaissance. It is available in both single-seat and twin-seat configurations, serving the French Army, Air Force, and Navy.
The current variant in service with the French Armed Forces has a top speed of 750 knots and a maximum takeoff weight of 24.5 tons.
Macron announced that France will invest approximately $1.6 billion to modernize Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur Air Base, ensuring it can accommodate the latest missile systems. The goal is to transform the base into one of the most advanced facilities dedicated to strengthening nuclear deterrence. It will host two squadrons of the next-generation Rafale F5 fighters, totaling 40 aircraft.
The ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile is also in development, produced by MBDA with support from ONERA. As a fourth-generation air-to-surface weapon, the ASN4G is designed to offer enhanced stealth and maneuverability. According to its developers, the missile will reach speeds of Mach 7, using a scramjet engine to penetrate advanced air defense systems.
France estimates that the ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile will have a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. It is intended to replace the ASMPA missile, which is currently in service with French defense forces.
The ASMPA is a supersonic missile equipped with a nuclear warhead and has a range of 600 kilometers. France currently maintains a stockpile of 54 ASMPA missiles. Once the next-generation ASN4G missiles are deployed, the armed forces will gradually phase out the ASMPA system.
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The introduction of long-range hypersonic nuclear missiles will significantly enhance France’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. It will also provide strategic support to European nations seeking to strengthen their defense in coordination with Paris.
Source: Interestingengineering
