French TV Channel Apologizes for Nuclear Strike Simulation on Tel Aviv

French television channel RMC Découverte has apologized after a documentary featured a computer simulation depicting a French fighter jet launching a nuclear missile at Tel Aviv. The controversial scene appeared in the film "New Rafale, Drones and Guns: The Revolution of French Weapons," which explores France's modern defense industry. The documentary, released on September 1st, specifically highlighted the new ASN4G nuclear missile intended for the next-generation Rafale F5 fighter jets.

Elodie Faye, a researcher specializing in nuclear weapons and the Middle East at the French Institute of International Relations, brought the simulation to public attention on September 17th. She questioned the channel on social media why Tel Aviv was chosen as the target in the film. The following day, RMC Découverte issued an apology, attributing the use of Tel Aviv's image to an error in a professional photo bank where the city was mislabeled.

The channel subsequently removed the film from all its platforms and suspended further broadcasts. The documentary's director, Alex Gary, expressed surprise, stating that the image's caption in the library did not identify it as Tel Aviv or any specific city. The ASN4G missile, however, is a real French defense project. In June, France's Directorate General of Armaments signed an agreement with MBDA for its development, with the missile expected to replace the upgraded ASMPA around 2035 as part of France's nuclear air power.

This incident follows a separate report that the French national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office opened an investigation into Israel's actions against a pro-Palestinian flotilla attempting to breach the Gaza Strip blockade.