Nuclear-armed states continue to modernize their arsenals, with France—a major U.S. military ally in NATO—recently test-firing an upgraded but unarmed nuclear missile. The medium-range, air-to-surface missile, known as the ASMPA-R, will be equipped on Rafale fighter jets deployed on the aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle , serving as the airborne component of the country's nuclear deterrent, the French navy said on Thursday. France is one of nine countries —and one of three NATO member