In France, discussions have begun regarding the potential development of a domestic medium-range ballistic missile capable of striking targets at a distance of 1000 km. This is in addition to the plan for a ground-launched cruise missile with a similar range, known as Land Cruise Misael under the ELSA project. This initiative is a direct response to Russia's demonstration of its medium-range ballistic missile through the strike on Dnipro.
Information about this plan was reported by the French publication Challenges, which noted that currently, discussions are only taking place between the command of the French armed forces and the General Directorate of Armaments (DGA). Additional details include a ground launcher, active maneuvering during the terminal phase before hitting the target, and measures to overcome missile defense systems.
From the perspective of Defense Express, it is worth noting that this involves a fairly standard set of technologies. At the very least, there is no information about a desire to develop a hypersonic glide vehicle, like the American LRHW for $41 million - which suggests that results could be achieved more quickly.
Moreover, a range of 1000 km indicates a missile that is not very large in size. This implies lower development costs, a reduced price per unit, and consequently, a larger quantity. A range of 1000 km is quite sufficient, as it would allow for striking targets not only in Moscow but also in Nizhny Novgorod on the Volga, if launched from the Baltic states. From Poland, 1000 km directly reaches the Russian capital.
This pragmatic approach to outlining the concept is already a positive sign. However, there is still a significant gap between this and the actual deployment of such a system - likely years. Even if the French pursue a highly pragmatic route and base their work on existing technological solutions, for example, from the intercontinental ballistic missile M51 for submarines.
It should also be mentioned that the last time France developed a ground-based missile system with ballistic missiles was in the 60s-70s - the Pluton system with a range of up to 120 km. This means that much will have to be developed from a close-to-zero level.
Furthermore, there are simply no other developments in Europe, let alone ready ballistic missiles with a range of over 300 km; all that exists are the American ATACMS. The only exception is Turkey, which initiated its missile program in the 90s thanks to cooperation with China for the localization of the ballistic B-611, known as J-600T Yıldırım, and is currently developing a missile with a range of 1000 km.
Additionally, Ukraine also has advancements in its own ballistic weaponry, at least referring to two missiles. Therefore, it is entirely possible that if France genuinely wants to acquire such weapons more quickly and win the race against time, it should consider the topic of cooperation.