The new ASN4G hypersonic missile would replace the ASMPA-R currently carried by the Rafale, strengthening France’s nuclear deterrent.
France has given the go-ahead to defense major MBDA to proceed with the development of the ASN4G (Air-Sol Nucléaire de 4ème Génération) nuclear strike cruise missile. Planned to be inducted by 2035, it would be carried by the Rafale F5 and the naval Rafale M variant, assigned to the Strategic Air Forces (Forces Aériennes Stratégiques – FAS) and the Nuclear Naval Air Force Force Aéronavale Nucléaire – FANu), respectively.
Awarding the contract on Jun. 2, 2026, the Directorate General of Armaments (Direction Générale de l’Armement – DGA) also revealed that the fourth generation missile will fly at hypersonic speeds. The ASN4G will replace the current Air-sol Moyenne Portée Amélioré Rénové (ASMPA-R/Improved Medium-Range Air-to-Surface Strategic Missile Renovated).
The ASMPA-R was itself an improvement over the older ASMP-A. The weapon was successfully test-fired with an inert warhead in May 2024, and then shown for the first time underneath a Marine Nationale (French Navy) Rafale M in November 2025.
↪️ Sa mise en service interviendra à l’horizon 2035
➡️ Il sera mis en œuvre à la fois par les Forces Aériennes Stratégiques et par la Force Aéronavale Nucléaire
➡️ Il sera emporté par le Rafale F5
— Direction générale de l’armement 🇫🇷 (@DGA) June 12, 2026
The start of the work on the new nuclear weapon comes amid France’s proactive role in bolstering NATO’s eastern flank before Russia with support to Ukraine, strengthening its nuclear deterrent and later expanding it to cover Europe. One of the measures involves the reopening of Luxeuil Air Base with an investment of 1.5 billion Euros.
Modern missile system ensuring France’s security
The accompanying image in the DGA press release showed a yet unseen image of the launch of a test vehicle with a tall vertical stabilizer, assisted by two rocket boosters. The caption identified the vehicle as the Thémis technology demonstrator, although it is unclear if this demonstrator is representative of the final production ASN4G.
The DGA release said: “The Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) notified MBDA on June 2, 2026, of the framework agreement for the implementation and development contract of the fourth generation nuclear Air-to-Sol missile (ASN4G).”
Pendant que la France dort…
La nuit dernière, une quarantaine d’aéronefs ont sillonné le ciel français pour simuler un raid aérien nucléaire.
Nom de code : Poker.
Pour être prêt, à tout moment.
Pour garantir la crédibilité de la #dissuasion. pic.twitter.com/7ZLGxiQ4p6
— Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (@Armee_de_lair) March 17, 2026
“The performance of the ASN4G, and in particular its hypervelocity, will make it possible to maintain the credibility of airborne deterrence in the face of evolving threats,” the DGA added.
As mentioned earlier, the DGA confirmed that the ASN4G will replace the upgraded ASMPA-R as part of the ongoing modernization of the airborne nuclear component. The ASMPA-R also figured in the March 2026 iteration of France’s ‘Poker’ nuclear exercise.
“A technological breakthrough compared to previous systems, ASN4G relies on technological and industrial know-how that few countries in the world possess,” further said the DGA.
In a post on LinkedIn, MBDA CEO Eric Béranger confirmed the notification from the DGA for the development of the hypersonic ASN4G, to be fielded by 2035 as the new French airborne deterrence capacity. “This new capacity will be carried out by the future Rafale F5 fighter aircraft, serving as the ultimate and decisive weapon system that will ensure, in any circumstances, France’s sovereignty and protection,” added Béranger.
Hypersonic speed vs stealth
Beranger also stressed the rare and cutting-edge technology carried in the ASN4G, which puts France in the small group of countries possessing such a capability. “The trust put on MBDA for this new development is the best testimony of MBDA’s people know-how in mastering state-of-the-art technologies and the highest-end of complex weapons.”
France was initially evaluating whether the ASN4G would be defined by stealth or hypersonic speeds, represented by the Camosis and the Prométhée upstream research programs. Both would however be powered by ramjets, according to a March 2023 report by Opex360.
Admiral Hervé de Bonnaventure then explained to a parliamentary panel why the hypersonic option prevailed. “It appears that very high performance in speed and maneuverability is the best method to achieve detection as late as possible, and complicate the task of tracking a radar, or even of locking onto it, and finally, to disrupt an anti-missile attack,” said the Admiral.
3 February 1986. First flight of the first of two Dassault Mirage 2000N prototypes. Two seat variant of the French jet fighter Mirage 2000, designed for nuclear strike. here carrying a mock ASMP rocket, Magic 2 missiles and early underwing fuel tanks. pic.twitter.com/lilfVhVLad
— Ron Eisele (@ron_eisele) February 2, 2023
