France to Boost Nuclear Deterrence with ASN4G Missile by 2035

France has tasked MBDA with developing the ASN4G nuclear hypersonic missile.

According to the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, the missile is expected to enter service around 2035.

The French Strategic Air Forces and the French Naval Nuclear Aviation Force will both operate it.

The Dassault Rafale F5 fighter jet will carry the air-launched missile.

The ASN4G is intended to replace the upgraded ASMP-A missile currently in service with France.

“ASN4G represents a technological breakthrough compared to previous systems and is based on technological and industrial expertise possessed by only a handful of countries worldwide,” the French Ministry of the Armed Forces stated.

Development work on the missile began in the 1990s, in parallel with the development of the upgraded ASMP-A missile.

The ASMP-A is an enhanced version of the ASMP missile, from which it was derived.

The missile has a maximum range of approximately 500 km and is armed with a 300-kiloton air-delivered nuclear warhead.

The missile is one of the key components of France’s nuclear deterrent, alongside the M51 ballistic missiles deployed on the country’s nuclear-powered submarines.

In 2024, France conducted a test launch of the ASMP-A missile from a Dassault Rafale fighter jet.

MBDA will also resume production of the MdCN naval cruise missile for the French Navy.