French defence ministry successfully tests the upgraded ASMPA-R missile
The French army conducted a test of a new version of the ASMPA-R missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on Wednesday evening. The rocket, which did not carry any warhead, was launched by a Rafale fighter jet.
Minister Lecornu reported that the Strategic Air Force fighter jet carried out the test during a flight "over French territory." The head of the French defence department added in a statement that this test had been planned for a long time.
France aims to deter enemies
This statement indicates that the missile modernization programme conducted by the General Directorate of Armament (DGA) has strengthened its parameters. The test aligns with the objectives set out in the military spending planning law (LPM) for 2024-30.
The AFP agency reminds us that the LPM law defined nuclear deterrence as the basis of the country's defence, allocating 13 per cent of military spending for its modernization and maintenance.
