France may abandon Rafale M fighters, which are capable of carrying ASMP-A missiles with nuclear warheads

The French authorities are considering the possibility of abandoning carrier-based fighters that can carry ASMP-A missiles with

nuclear warheads. The reason is the low efficiency of aircraft.

What is known

France has a nuclear triad, whichrepresented by three branches of the military. The Strategic Ocean Force has four nuclear-powered submarine cruisers of the Le Triomphant class (Le Triomphant, Le Téméraire, Le Vigilant and Le Terrible). The Strategic Air Force uses 20 Rafale B aircraft. The third branch of the military is the Rafale M carrier-based fighters, which are based on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

France is forced to spend large sums onmaintenance of Rafale B aircraft. But the Strategic Air Force conducts exercises regularly, but the Rafale M last launched ASMP-A missiles almost 6 years ago. It is the low effectiveness of carrier-based fighters that is the key reason for the government's desire to abandon this kind of troops as a carrier of nuclear missiles.

</ img>

But not everyone in France is in favor of such a solution.Naval Admiral Pierre Vandier believes carrier-based fighters should continue to be part of the nuclear triad. According to him, the aircraft carrier group is very mobile and can cover 1,000 km in a short time, avoiding enemy attacks. In addition, the very fact of deploying missiles with nuclear warheads on board the Charles de Gaulle is an additional strong deterrent.