France test-fires nuclear missile a day after Russia conducts tactical nuclear drills
- In Reports
- 09:28 PM, May 23, 2024
- Myind Staff
The day following Russia's tactical nuclear weapons exercises, France conducted a test launch of an upgraded nuclear missile, according to French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Lecornu emphasised that the firing of an ASMPA-R missile, without a warhead, was part of a prearranged simulation of a nuclear aerial mission. Despite the timing, Lecornu asserted on X (formerly Twitter) that the test had been long scheduled and underscored its role in bolstering France's nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Lecornu stated, "This operation, which has been long-planned, fulfills the objectives outlined in the military programming law for our nuclear deterrence. It showcases the excellence and operational credibility of our nuclear capabilities."
In recent times, France has significantly bolstered its nuclear military capacity, reflecting a broader commitment to European security. According to AFP, approximately 13% of France's military budget in the upcoming years will be allocated to enhancing its independent nuclear capabilities. The nation aims to develop next-generation air-launched missiles by 2035, as outlined in the report.
President Emmanuel Macron has been vocal about the perceived threat posed to Europe by Russia. He has also asserted credit for catalysing a shift towards greater security focus among European nations. Macron stated last month, "Europe is now contemplating its own defense. This represents a substantial shift in recent years, a shift largely championed by France."
On May 21st, Russia initiated tactical nuclear weapons exercises in its Southern Military District, situated along the border with Ukraine. These weapons, characterised by lower yields and intended for battlefield application, are distinct from strategic nuclear arms, which have the capacity to cause widespread destruction across cities and regions. According to the Russian defense ministry, the exercises simulated the deployment of nuclear weapons for potential use.
The stated objective of the drills is to "unconditionally guarantee the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Russian state in response to provocative remarks and threats from certain Western officials."
The Russian defense ministry additionally cited French President Macron's statement, in which he didn't rule out the possibility of deploying French soldiers to Ukraine, as a reason for the drills. They also referenced British Foreign Minister David Cameron's remarks suggesting that Ukraine could utilize British-supplied weapons to target locations within Russia.
Throughout the course of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has frequently made nuclear threats. On the day he declared the invasion, February 22, 2022, Putin cautioned that any nation intervening would confront "consequences such as you have never seen in your entire history."
In the most recent development, senior Russian figure Dmitry Medvedev issued a warning to the West, asserting that any Russian nuclear strike would not be confined solely to Ukraine. He further emphasised that the drills conducted by Russia were aimed at preparing for potential attacks on Russian soil facilitated by Western forces.
Medvedev's statement, posted on X, highlighted, "Under certain circumstances, the response will be directed not only towards Kiev, and it will not involve conventional explosives alone but also specialised ammunition. The objective of the planned military exercise is to rehearse responses to such assaults. Even the least educated individuals of His Royal Majesty should grasp this reality."
The phrase "special kind of arms" appears to be a clear allusion to nuclear weapons. Medvedev's comment can be interpreted as a veiled warning of a potential Russian nuclear strike on Western nations.
In his strongly worded post directed at British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Medvedev also took aim at the French for their expression of solidarity with Ukraine.
"Essentially, he's telling the Ukrainians to fire British missiles wherever they please. And we, the British, aren't afraid of anything, not even a nuclear confrontation. Quite the tough guy, isn't he? You shouldn't have said that lad. Remember, those who operate the Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles aren't the fools in embroidered shirts, but rather the British and French," remarked Medvedev.
Image Source: NDTV
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