France successfully carries out the second evaluation test of the ASMPA-R nuclear missile with the Rafale Marine
France has taken a further important step in modernizing its nuclear deterrence capability. The improved and refurbished medium-range air-to-surface missile (ASMPA-R) successfully completed its second evaluation firing on 13 November 2025, the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) announced.
The test was conducted by the Marine Nationale in cooperation with the DGA, marking a decisive phase in the French strategic armament renewal programme.
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The test took place during Operation Diomede, in which a Rafale Marine fighter conducted a flight representative of a nuclear strike. Without military payload, the ASMPA-R missile was launched at the end of the mission, carried out on French territory in realistic opposition conditions, demonstrating the high level of readiness and experience of the Nuclear Air Force (FANU).
According to the DGA, the launch took place at the DGA Essais de Missiles center, responsible for ensuring the complete safety of the operation. The entire trajectory of the Rafale Marine/ASMPA-R system and, subsequently, the missile’s autonomous flight were monitored from installations located in Biscarrosse (Landes), Hourtin (Gironde) and Quimper (Finistère).
The ASMPA modernization program, developed within the framework of the Military Programming Law (LPM 2024-2030), aims to increase the intrinsic capabilities of the missile and ensure the credibility of the airborne nuclear component in the face of evolving enemy defenses. This upgrade will ensure its effectiveness until the arrival of the future fourth generation air-to-surface nuclear missile, the ASN4G, scheduled for 2035.
Source and images: Direction générale de l’armement, X @DGA. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
