France Announces New Rafale F5 Fighters Equipped with ASN4G Hypersonic Nuclear Missiles by 2035
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During his visit to Air Base 116 in Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur, Haute-Saône, President Emmanuel Macron announced that the future ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile, designed to renew the airborne component of France’s nuclear deterrence, will be stationed at this site by 2035. To ensure its deployment, two squadrons of Rafale F5 fighters will also be assigned to the base, marking a significant transformation of this strategic site. This decision is part of a broader plan to modernize French air capabilities, including the acceleration of Rafale orders and a €1.5 billion investment to upgrade infrastructure for future operational requirements.
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A key feature of the Rafale F5 is its ability to carry the ASN4G missile, which will replace the current ASMPA (Picture source: Dassault)
The Rafale F5, now in development, introduces significant advancements in connectivity, electronic warfare, and information superiority. It will be the first French fighter to integrate a stealth combat drone derived from the nEUROn program, designed to operate alongside the aircraft to enhance penetration in contested environments and provide advanced reconnaissance capabilities. Its next-generation Thales RBE2 XG radar will improve detection and data fusion, ensuring optimal engagement capability against modern threats. These enhancements will enable the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS) to operate in increasingly contested environments while maintaining resilience against advanced air defense systems.
A key feature of the Rafale F5 is its ability to carry the ASN4G missile, which will replace the current ASMPA. Developed by MBDA with support from ONERA, this hypersonic missile will reach speeds between Mach 6 and Mach 7 using a ramjet engine, providing an unprecedented capability to penetrate advanced air defenses. Its range of over 1,000 km will enhance the strategic flexibility of France’s deterrence forces, while its stealth architecture will reduce radar detection, improving its survivability in electronic warfare environments. In parallel, France continues developing the V-MAX hypersonic glide vehicle with ArianeGroup, reflecting a broader effort to diversify and strengthen both conventional and nuclear strike capabilities.
The €1.5 billion investment in Luxeuil Air Base aims to upgrade its infrastructure to meet new operational requirements. The site’s capacity will double, accommodating over 2,000 military personnel and civilian staff by 2035, further strengthening its role in the country’s air defense strategy. In addition to its role in nuclear deterrence, the base will continue ensuring “air policing” missions and participating in NATO operations, particularly on the alliance’s eastern flank. The integration of Rafale F5 fighters and the ASN4G missile confirms Luxeuil’s strategic significance in France’s defense posture, combining modernization efforts with adaptation to emerging security challenges.
To meet the increased demands of the French Air Force, Dassault Aviation will ramp up Rafale production, gradually reaching a rate of five aircraft per month. This industrial effort aims to maintain a steady supply for the French forces while fulfilling export commitments to key partners, including India, Egypt, Greece, and Indonesia. Amidst the ongoing military buildup in Europe and rising geopolitical tensions, these developments reflect France’s intent to reinforce its strategic autonomy and sustain its nuclear deterrence capabilities against evolving threats. President Macron’s announcement aligns with a long-term vision to equip the French armed forces with modernized air capabilities suited to future operational challenges.
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During his visit to Air Base 116 in Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur, Haute-Saône, President Emmanuel Macron announced that the future ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile, designed to renew the airborne component of France’s nuclear deterrence, will be stationed at this site by 2035. To ensure its deployment, two squadrons of Rafale F5 fighters will also be assigned to the base, marking a significant transformation of this strategic site. This decision is part of a broader plan to modernize French air capabilities, including the acceleration of Rafale orders and a €1.5 billion investment to upgrade infrastructure for future operational requirements.
A key feature of the Rafale F5 is its ability to carry the ASN4G missile, which will replace the current ASMPA (Picture source: Dassault)
The Rafale F5, now in development, introduces significant advancements in connectivity, electronic warfare, and information superiority. It will be the first French fighter to integrate a stealth combat drone derived from the nEUROn program, designed to operate alongside the aircraft to enhance penetration in contested environments and provide advanced reconnaissance capabilities.
Its next-generation Thales RBE2 XG radar will improve detection and data fusion, ensuring optimal engagement capability against modern threats. These enhancements will enable the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS) to operate in increasingly contested environments while maintaining resilience against advanced air defense systems.
A key feature of the Rafale F5 is its ability to carry the ASN4G missile, which will replace the current ASMPA. Developed by MBDA with support from ONERA, this hypersonic missile will reach speeds between Mach 6 and Mach 7 using a ramjet engine, providing an unprecedented capability to penetrate advanced air defenses. Its range of over 1,000 km will enhance the strategic flexibility of France’s deterrence forces, while its stealth architecture will reduce radar detection, improving its survivability in electronic warfare environments. In parallel, France continues developing the V-MAX hypersonic glide vehicle with ArianeGroup, reflecting a broader effort to diversify and strengthen both conventional and nuclear strike capabilities.
The €1.5 billion investment in Luxeuil Air Base aims to upgrade its infrastructure to meet new operational requirements. The site’s capacity will double, accommodating over 2,000 military personnel and civilian staff by 2035, further strengthening its role in the country’s air defense strategy.
In addition to its role in nuclear deterrence, the base will continue ensuring “air policing” missions and participating in NATO operations, particularly on the alliance’s eastern flank. The integration of Rafale F5 fighters and the ASN4G missile confirms Luxeuil’s strategic significance in France’s defense posture, combining modernization efforts with adaptation to emerging security challenges.
To meet the increased demands of the French Air Force, Dassault Aviation will ramp up Rafale production, gradually reaching a rate of five aircraft per month. This industrial effort aims to maintain a steady supply for the French forces while fulfilling export commitments to key partners, including India, Egypt, Greece, and Indonesia.
Amidst the ongoing military buildup in Europe and rising geopolitical tensions, these developments reflect France’s intent to reinforce its strategic autonomy and sustain its nuclear deterrence capabilities against evolving threats. President Macron’s announcement aligns with a long-term vision to equip the French armed forces with modernized air capabilities suited to future operational challenges.
