Description
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Context:
- France Conducts Successful Test of ASMPA Supersonic Nuclear Missile Amid Global Tensions
About the test
- This test occurs amid heightened global nuclear tensions, particularly with Russia's military activities and escalating rhetoric.
- Test was conducted using a Rafale fighter jet and the test was part of the Durandal military exercises, focusing on military readiness and reliability.
ASMPA
- The ASMPA, an air-launched cruise missile, is a key component of France's nuclear deterrence strategy.
- The ASMPA evolved from the ASMP missile, which entered service in 1986, with upgrades in 1997 (ASMP-A) and 2016 (ASMPA-R).
- ASMPA (Air-Sol Moyenne Portée Amélioré) is an improved version of the French ASMP (Air-Sol Moyenne Portée) missile.
Key points about the ASMPA missile:
- Type: Air-launched cruise missile.
- Origin: Developed and deployed by France.
- Service Entry: Entered service in 2009.
- Purpose: Designed for delivering nuclear warheads.
- Range: Approximately 500 kilometers.
- Speed: Supersonic, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3.
- Platform: Primarily deployed from the Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
- Guidance System: Inertial navigation system with GPS updates.
- Warhead: Can carry a thermonuclear warhead.
- Upgrades: Enhanced performance and reliability compared to its predecessor, ASMP.
Durandal military exercise
- It is a military exercise that involves the French Armed Forces and is often conducted to enhance operational readiness and interoperability among participating units.
- Objective: To test and improve the capabilities of the French Armed Forces in various combat scenarios.
- Participants: Involves various branches of the French military, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Frequency: Conducted periodically, often annually or biennially.
- Strategic Importance: Aims to maintain a high level of readiness and adaptability in the French Armed Forces.
Source:
https://www.republicworld.com/defence/defence-technology/france-conducts-successful-test-of-asmpa-supersonic-nuclear-missile-amid-global-tensions/?amp=1
PRACTICE QUESTION
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the ASMPA missile:
- The ASMPA is an air-launched cruise missile developed by France and it entered service in 2009.
- The missile is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3 and has a range of approximately 500 kilometers.
- It is primarily deployed from the Dassault Rafale fighter jets and designed for delivering conventional warheads.
- The ASMPA evolved from the ASMP missile with upgrades introduced in 1997 (ASMP-A) and 2016 (ASMPA-R).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only b) 1, 2, and 4 only c) 1, 3, and 4 only d) 2 and 4 only
Answer:
b) 1, 2, and 4 only
Explanation:
●Statement 1 is correct: The ASMPA is an air-launched cruise missile developed by France and it entered service in 2009.
●Statement 2 is correct: The ASMPA is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3 and has a range of approximately 500 kilometers.
●Statement 3 is incorrect: The ASMPA is designed for delivering nuclear warheads, not conventional warheads.
●Statement 4 is correct: The ASMPA evolved from the ASMP missile with upgrades introduced in 1997 (ASMP-A) and 2016 (ASMPA-R).
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