France responds to Russia: test of a nuclear-capable missile

France has carried out the first test launch of an upgraded nuclear-capable missile , the Asmpa-r, designed to be launched from a Rafale fighter. This was reported by the French Defense Minister, Sebastien Lecornu , as reported by the Guardian.

The test, carried out yesterday, comes after Russia said it had begun nuclear exercises in its southern military district.

Lecornu said the missile was launched without a warhead from an aircraft "over the national territory" and that the exercise aimed to support "the credibility of the airborne nuclear deterrent element" .

(Unioneonline/vl)