France commissions MBDA to develop ASN4G hypersonic air-launched nuclear missile

France’s DGA has awarded MBDA an implementation and development contract for the ASN4G, a fourth-generation nuclear air-to-ground missile intended to replace ASMPA and be carried by Rafale F5. The novelty is the planned hypersonic/hypervelocity performance and next-generation design for airborne deterrence, indicating a significant new missile capability (though not near-term battlefield deployment).