Space - France’s commitment not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests (29 November 2022)

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Joint communique issued by the ministry for Europe and foreign Affairs and the ministry for the armed forces

In October 2022, the United Nations General Assembly’s First Committee adopted a historic resolution calling on all States to pledge not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests (DA-ASAT). Co-sponsored by France and adopted by a very large majority, the resolution is a milestone in protecting a safe, stable space environment.
France has never carried out such tests, which it deems destabilizing and irresponsible. They have caused a large amount of debris, which may lead to serious consequences for space security and safety, in particular by compromising the integrity of satellites in orbit.
France formally pledges not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests.
It wholeheartedly supports this new standard of responsible behaviour and its universalization, in the multilateral framework of the United Nations.
France will continue to work with all willing States to increase trust and transparency between all those involved in space.