France Test-fires Strategic Nuclear Missile, ASMPA from Rafale Jet Our Bureau 3696
Rafale jet carrying ASMPA missile underneath. MBDA image
French strategic nuclear air-to-ground medium-range missile (ASMPA) was test fired for the first time from an Air Force Rafale jet yesterday.
The missile, developed by MBDA, was fired from a Dassault Aviation Rafale aircraft, as part of a program under the supervision of the French armaments agency, DGA, which took off from an air base in Cazaux on December 9.
In tests missiles used are “inert” - without a warhead but having all the electronics and functionalities of the real ASMPA.
Throughout its flight phase, the missile was monitored by DGA Missile Tests at Biscarosse, Hourtin and Quimper, with the participation of DGA flight tests, a French MoD release said.