France advances missile development and strategic strike capabilities

France has reached a significant milestone in its MAST-F (Future Tactical Air-to-Surface Missile) program with the successful test of the Akeron LP missile from a Tigre helicopter. Conducted on September 25, 2026, at the Cazaux flight test site, the trial validated the ‘lock-on before launch’ (LOBL) capability. This allows the missile to identify its target before firing, providing the crew with a live bidirectional data link to correct the trajectory, switch targets, or abort the strike.

The Akeron LP system involves key industrial partners, including MBDA for design, Thales for data links, and Safran for the infrared, TV, and laser seeker components. The missile has a range exceeding 8 km from a helicopter and up to 20 km from a drone.

Separately, France is progressing with plans for long-range strike capabilities under the updated 2024-2030 Military Programming Law. Studies for deep strike capabilities (DPS) using land-based ballistic missiles with ranges up to 2,500 km are set to begin in 2026, with an operational goal for 2030-2031. Military leadership has emphasized that these conventional capabilities are essential to complement existing strategic deterrence.