France orders MBDA to develop ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile

The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) notified MBDA on 2 June 2026 of a framework contract to develop the ASN4G, a fourth‑generation air‑to‑ground nuclear missile. slated for entry into service around 2035, the weapon will replace the aging ASMP‑A and equip the future Rafale F5 as well as France’s strategic air and naval nuclear forces.

The ASN4G will use a scram‑jet propulsion system, target speeds of Mach 6‑8 and a range exceeding 1 000 km, markedly surpassing the current missile’s performance. France thereby joins a very small group of nations possessing airborne nuclear hypersonic capability, alongside the United States, Russia and China.

MBDA, a consortium of Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, will expand production capacity with a new factory near Orléans, aiming to multiply output six‑fold by 2030. The programme is expected to involve several billions of euros over its life and is presented as a response to advances such as Russia’s Kinzhal, China’s DF‑17/DF‑ZF and the United States’ HACM projects.