DGA announced a framework contract with MBDA to develop France’s successor to the ASMP supersonic nuclear cruise missile, the ASN4G hypersonic cruise missile.
The French MoD announced the preliminary contract with MBDA to launch the development of the previously announced next-generation nuclear cruise missile to be used by French aircraft. The missile's preliminary works have been supported by ONERA.
Set to succeed the ramjet-powered ASMP line of nuclear cruise missiles, ASN4G will feature hypersonic speed and longer range thanks to scramjet propulsion.
ASN4G is envisioned to be carried by Rafale F5 fighters and the future fighter jet to be developed later on (Which might be developed with Sweden or single-handedly in the wake of FCAS programme’s dissolution).
Air-launched cruise missiles form the airborne leg of France’s nuclear deterrence, which also has a naval leg in the form of M51 SLBMs.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
