Aerospace company ArianeGroup has shown a model of a promising French ballistic missile for the first time. Photos from the Le Bourget air show were published in OpexNews, writes Militarnyi.
According to media reports, the development is likely a response to a request from the French leadership for a weapon capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 2,000 km.
The model shows an elongated single-stage rocket with a detachable head section that has developed aerodynamic surfaces for maneuvering in the terminal section of the flight.
This coincides with previously announced requirements. They called for the development of a ground-based missile capable of actively maneuvering towards the target during the final stage of flight, which is impossible without separating the rocket engine.
It was also envisaged that the main body would have the means to penetrate enemy air defenses. This could mean plans to integrate detachable traps or other airborne electronic warfare equipment.
It was announced that the main goal of the development was to create a non-nuclear deterrent. Therefore, first of all, a conventional warhead should be developed for the missile. This can be either a monoblock or a separate design with several means of destruction with a total weight of several hundred to a thousand kilograms.
The design is visually similar to the Iranian Haj Qasem ballistic missile. It has a similar profile and a detachable part that increases its maneuverability. The missile has a claimed range of 1,400 kilometers.
The French company's stand also showed the already known model of the glider-shaped warhead. It is being developed as part of the V-MAX hypersonic weapon project.
So far, this is the first iteration of the hypersonic vehicles that ArianeGroup has designed, manufactured, and is testing for the French Ministry of Defense. Their task is to demonstrate capabilities and develop technologies.
The next step is the development of the V-MAX2 version. It should demonstrate the effectiveness of the control system when maneuvering the vehicle at hypersonic speeds. It is not excluded that a ballistic missile will be its main carrier.