Deck-Based Rafale Fires ASMPA-R Nuclear Missile

The French Rafale deck-based fighter jet has test-fired an upgraded ASMPA-R strategic nuclear missile.

This is reported by Opex360.

During the tests, the aircraft practiced a combat scenario for the use of nuclear weapons, performing maneuvers that simulated the defeat of a specific target.

The launch was carried out over the territory of France in conditions of simulated counteraction to enemy air defense systems.

The entire flight route of the Rafale fighter jet and ASMPA-R missile was tracked by the General Directorate of Armaments (DGA).

This is the second evaluation launch of the updated missile – the first was carried out in May 2024 by a Rafale B fighter jet of the Strategic Air Force during Operation Durandal.

Testing of the updated ASMPA-R began in 2021. The initial versions of the ASMP-A missile entered service with the French Air Force in 2009 and the French Navy in 2010.

The upgraded version has an increased range and penetration capability, as well as updated navigation and control systems.

The ASMP-A is used on the Mirage 2000NK3 and Rafale M fighters.

The missile has a range of about 600 km, reaches speeds up to three times the speed of sound (Mach 3) and is equipped with a 300-kiloton nuclear warhead.

In September, it was reported that the French Air Force had deployed Rafale fighter jets capable of carrying ASMP missiles with a nuclear warhead to Poland.

The published photos from Poland show an aircraft of the 4th Squadron, namely 2/4 Lafayette. Together with the 1/4 Gascogne, this unit is responsible for the constant combat readiness of the air nuclear forces as part of the French nuclear triad.