[France Launches Air-Launched Hypersonic Missile Program, Speeding Up to 8 Mach]
France has officially launched the development program for its next-generation air-launched hypersonic missile. The French Defense Procurement Agency has signed a relevant contract with European missile giant MBDA. The new hypersonic missile is expected to reach speeds of 6 to 8 Mach and have a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, to be carried by the next-generation Rafale fighter jets for nuclear deterrence missions.
According to the U.S. website "Aerospace Historian," this agreement was signed on June 2nd and officially disclosed on June 11th. Under the agreed plan, the newly developed hypersonic missile is projected to enter service by 2035, replacing the current supersonic nuclear missiles in active duty.
It is reported that the core technology behind developing this hypersonic missile is the scramjet engine, aimed at maintaining higher penetration capabilities against next-generation air defense systems. Ultimately, in the era of hypersonic weapons, France is determined not to fall behind and wants to secure a prominent position. However, with a planned service entry in 2035, France's delay compared to China and Russia is undoubtedly significant.
U.S. media stated: Due to the sensitivity of hypersonic weapons, many technical details about this missile remain classified. Nevertheless, defense analysts point out that supported by scramjet engines, the missile’s speed is estimated to reach 6 to 8 Mach, with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers—more than double that of current models—and it will also possess high-speed maneuverability and stealth characteristics.
According to French military planning, this air-launched missile will be operated by both the French Air Force and Naval Aviation. The next-generation Rafale aircraft will serve as its primary carrier platform, forming together with sixth-generation fighters and next-generation nuclear submarines the cornerstone of France’s new nuclear deterrence system.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867975604650188/
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