France Conducts Second Test of Upgraded ASMPA-R Missile from Rafale-M Jet

The upgraded ASMPA-R medium-range air-to-surface missile was test-launched on November 13 by a French Navy Rafale Marine in cooperation with the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA).

The missile, flown without a warhead, was launched from a Rafale Marine after a flight simulating a nuclear strike under Operation Diomede.

The firing was conducted from the DGA Missile Testing site, which oversaw safety measures and tracked the full trajectory of the Rafale Marine–ASMPA-R pair and the missile’s free-flight segment. Data collection involved DGA facilities in Biscarrosse, Hourtin and Quimper.

The ASMPA-R, developed under the 2024–2030 Military Programming Law, is intended to extend the life of the current ASMP-A system while enhancing missile performance against evolving air-defense threats. The upgraded missile entered French Naval Nuclear Air Force (FANU) service on November 10, following its earlier operational induction with the Strategic Air Forces (FAS) in 2023. Both the Navy and Air and Space Force employ Rafale variants as launch platforms.

Images released by French authorities show the ASMPA-R closely resembles the earlier ASMP-A model, retaining the dual air-intake configuration for its ramjet engine. Tail-fin arrangements appear modified, though officials have not explained the design change. The updated missile reportedly extends range to around 600 kilometers from the ASMP-A’s 500 kilometers, with both systems capable of reaching speeds near Mach 3.

The ASMPA-R’s warhead is understood to be the Tête Nucléaire Aéroportée (TNA), or Air-Delivered Nuclear Warhead, featuring variable-yield settings between roughly 100 and 300 kilotons. French sources have not confirmed whether the warhead design itself has been altered as part of the renovation.

The ASMP series has formed the airborne component of France’s nuclear forces since the 1980s. Rafales equipped with the missile constitute one leg of the country’s nuclear dyad, alongside the Navy’s Triomphant-class submarines armed with M51-series ballistic missiles. The M51.3 variant entered service last month.

France is also progressing on the ASN4G, a next-generation scramjet-powered nuclear cruise missile planned for introduction around 2035.