France tests VMaX hypersonic glide demonstrator

Air

30 June 2023

The French defence procurement agency has successfully tested a new VMaX hypersonic glide vehicle earlier this month.

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A sounding rocket was successfully test fired while carrying the hypersonic glide vehicle at the DGA Essais de missiles launch site in Biscarosse, France on 26 June.

Hypersonic glide vehicles are being developed internationally for weapons delivery and are able to manoeuvre and glide at hypersonic speed compared to conventional ballistic missiles which follow a predictable trajectory.

The French Ministry of Armed Forces has confirmed the demonstrator glide vehicle contains multiple on-board technological innovations and flew a long-range trajectory

Technical data collected from the duration of the test is expected to be analysed and updated for continuing experimental flights.

The General delegate has thanked the technical teams mobilised for this test.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.

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