France may scrap Rafale M fighters capable of carrying ASMP-A missiles with nuclear warheads

The French authorities are considering abandoning deck fighters that can carry ASMP-A missiles with nuclear warheads. The reason is the low effectiveness of the aircraft.

Here's What We Know

France has a nuclear triad that consists of three branches. The Strategic Ocean Forces have four Le Triomphant class nuclear submarine cruisers (Le Triomphant, Le Téméraire, Le Vigilant and Le Terrible). The strategic air force uses 20 Rafale B aircraft. A third branch of the force is the Rafale M deck fighters, which are based on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

France has to spend large sums to maintain the Rafale B aircraft. But the Strategic Air Forces regularly conduct exercises, but the Rafale M last launched ASMP-A missiles nearly six years ago. It is the low effectiveness of the deck fighters that is the key reason why the government wants to abandon this type of force as a nuclear missile carrier.

But not everyone in France is in favour of such a decision. Admiral Pierre Vandier of the Navy believes that deck fighters should continue to be part of the nuclear triad. According to him, an aircraft carrier group is very mobile and can travel 1,000km in a short time to evade enemy strikes. In addition, the very fact that the Charles de Gaulle carries missiles with nuclear warheads is an additional strong deterrent.

Source: Opex360