Expert: To develop, we must guard against the United States. France joins the "hypersonic weapons club" Charles de Gaulle | France | United States
Recently, the news of France's first test of hypersonic gliding vehicles has attracted attention.
On June 26th, the French Armaments General conducted the first test of the V-MAX hypersonic glider prototype at a testing ground in southwestern France.
The French side has not yet disclosed detailed information on the test results, but has stated that they are analyzing the data collected during the testing period.
France joins the "hypersonic weapons club"
Data chart: France's first test of hypersonic gliding vehicles
The French side stated in a statement that the flight test was conducted on a very demanding remote orbit, which is an unprecedented technological challenge.
French officials have previously revealed that the fourth generation cruise missile is likely to adopt a hypersonic design and is planned to be put into use by 2035, with an expected range of over 1000 kilometers.
In the eyes of military observer Liang Yongchun, France's test signifies that it has entered the threshold of a "hypersonic weapons club".
Liang Yongchun:
The success of this experiment marks France as the fourth country in the world to master hypersonic glider technology, following China, the United States, and Russia.
This type of missile has two characteristics: first, it has a fast flight speed; The second is the strong ability to change trajectory in the final stage, with unpredictable flight paths and difficult interception by opponents.
The successful test launch is very helpful for enhancing France's military influence. This test launch is preliminary, and the missile's flight speed has just reached the standard. There are still many areas for improvement and enhancement in the future.
France's "confidence" and "chips"
Data image: German Leopard main battle tank
Currently, the development and deployment of hypersonic weapons in some countries are accelerating. France has been trying to become the first country in the European Union to develop hypersonic missiles.
Liang Yongchun believes that France is considering various factors such as strengthening its own defense, seeking strategic autonomy, and consolidating its position as the leader of the European Union.
Liang Yongchun:
Within the European Union, France and Germany have always been a "twin power", with Germany ranking first in economic strength and France as the political and military leader of the EU. However, after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Germany increased its investment in the military field and became very active, which made France feel very crisis.
Who exactly is the "boss" of the European Union? Hypersonic weapons can clearly add chips to France.
If France wants to develop, it must first guard against the United States?
Data chart: In March 1966, French President Charles de Gaulle announced that France would withdraw from the NATO military integration system
Liang Yongchun further pointed out that although France is ambitious in developing hypersonic missiles, it still faces issues such as funding shortages and restrictions from the United States. Whether the project can proceed smoothly remains to be seen.
Liang Yongchun:
The test launch of hypersonic missiles by France was closely monitored by US reconnaissance planes throughout the process.
When France was developing an atomic bomb, the United States repeatedly stated that it was enough for the United States to have an atomic bomb, and other allied countries should stop doing so. This was also an important reason why the French government of Charles de Gaulle announced its withdrawal from the NATO Military Integration Organization.
In recent years, the United States has repeatedly implemented "long arm jurisdiction" over France's nuclear and aerospace enterprises in order to combat and weaken France's strategic capabilities. So, if France wants to develop hypersonic weapons, it must guard against the United States.
