ASMPA Supersonic Nuclear Missile

25th May, 2024 Security

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Context:

France Conducts Successful Test of ASMPA Supersonic Nuclear Missile Amid Global Tensions

About the test

This test occurs amid heightened global nuclear tensions, particularly with Russia's military activities and escalating rhetoric.
Test was conducted using a Rafale fighter jet and the test was part of the Durandal military exercises, focusing on military readiness and reliability.

ASMPA

The ASMPA, an air-launched cruise missile, is a key component of France's nuclear deterrence strategy.
The ASMPA evolved from the ASMP missile, which entered service in 1986, with upgrades in 1997 (ASMP-A) and 2016 (ASMPA-R).
ASMPA (Air-Sol Moyenne Portée Amélioré) is an improved version of the French ASMP (Air-Sol Moyenne Portée) missile.

Key points about the ASMPA missile:

Type: Air-launched cruise missile.
Origin: Developed and deployed by France.
Service Entry: Entered service in 2009.
Purpose: Designed for delivering nuclear warheads.
Range: Approximately 500 kilometers.
Speed: Supersonic, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3.
Platform: Primarily deployed from the Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
Guidance System: Inertial navigation system with GPS updates.
Warhead: Can carry a thermonuclear warhead.
Upgrades: Enhanced performance and reliability compared to its predecessor, ASMP.

Durandal military exercise

It is a military exercise that involves the French Armed Forces and is often conducted to enhance operational readiness and interoperability among participating units.
Objective: To test and improve the capabilities of the French Armed Forces in various combat scenarios.
Participants: Involves various branches of the French military, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Frequency: Conducted periodically, often annually or biennially.
Strategic Importance: Aims to maintain a high level of readiness and adaptability in the French Armed Forces.

Source:

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the ASMPA missile:

The ASMPA is an air-launched cruise missile developed by France and it entered service in 2009.
The missile is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3 and has a range of approximately 500 kilometers.
It is primarily deployed from the Dassault Rafale fighter jets and designed for delivering conventional warheads.
The ASMPA evolved from the ASMP missile with upgrades introduced in 1997 (ASMP-A) and 2016 (ASMPA-R).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2, and 4 only
c) 1, 3, and 4 only
d) 2 and 4 only

Answer:

b) 1, 2, and 4 only

Explanation:

●Statement 1 is correct: The ASMPA is an air-launched cruise missile developed by France and it entered service in 2009.

●Statement 2 is correct: The ASMPA is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3 and has a range of approximately 500 kilometers.

●Statement 3 is incorrect: The ASMPA is designed for delivering nuclear warheads, not conventional warheads.

●Statement 4 is correct: The ASMPA evolved from the ASMP missile with upgrades introduced in 1997 (ASMP-A) and 2016 (ASMPA-R).

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