France’s ballistic missile project: Step towards countering Russian threats

According to media reports, French developers plan to create a missile capable of hitting targets at distances over 1,000 kilometers. Currently, the project is still under discussion between the French Armed Forces command and the Directorate General of Armament.

However, some details of the missile's concept are already known. It is intended to be launched from mobile ground platforms. The missile will be equipped with features such as active maneuvering in the terminal phase before striking the target. Likely, the missile will be able to change its trajectory up until the last moment, making interception difficult.

According to sources cited by the news agency, the French Ministry of Defense must secure the budget to launch the project, as it is still in its early stages.

At the same time, experts at Defense Express believe that with a flight range of 1,000 kilometers, the missile will not be very large in size. This will help reduce development costs and potentially increase their numbers in the future. Analysts also believe that a range of 1,000 kilometers is sufficient, as missiles with this range could hit targets in Moscow if deployed in the Baltic states.

Russia launched an Oreshnik missile at Ukraine

On November 21, Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time to strike Ukraine, as reported by the Air Force. Media sources note that a Rubezh missile was fired at Dnipro, which Putin referred to as the test system Oreshnik.

Putin also claimed that in the event of a future launch of the Oreshnik, Russia would allegedly warn Ukrainians and recommend taking shelter in bunkers.

For more details on what is known about Russia's new missile, read the material New missile: How Oreshnik turns into Kedr and who Putin's threats are directed at.