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2mo ago

France Puts M51.3 Submarine-Launched Nuclear Missile Into Operational Service

The upgrade pairs an ArianeGroup-built missile with a new TNO-2 warhead to strengthen France’s sea-based second-strike posture.

Image
Un missile équipé de nouvelles têtes nucléaires déployé dans les sous-marins
ArianeGroup est maître d'œuvre industriel du M51 de la force de dissuasion océanique française, pour le compte de la Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) depuis 2010.

Overview

  • The Ministry of the Armed Forces confirmed on October 28 that the M51.3 entered operational service on October 24, marking a major step in renewing the oceanic leg of the deterrent.
  • The missile will be fielded on Le Triomphant-class ballistic-missile submarines and is slated to equip the next-generation SNLE-3G boats expected to enter service around 2035.
  • French authorities say the new version delivers greater range, accuracy and penetration, carries the TNO-2 oceanic warhead and can host multiple warheads, with reporting citing up to ten.
  • The operational milestone caps programs launched by the DGA in 2014 and the CEA in 2013, following a first public M51.3 test from Biscarrosse in November 2023.
  • France has already initiated the follow-on M51.4 upgrade, with DGA notifications and contracts to ArianeGroup to continue enhancing range, precision and penetration.