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Paris Unveils Its Most Advanced Nuclear Missile Yet—M51.3 Now Patrols Beneath the Waves

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
News Writer
Test launch of the French M51.3 nuclear missile. (Source: Frid45/X)
Test launch of the French M51.3 nuclear missile. (Source: Frid45/X)

France has officially declared its new M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile operational, marking the latest upgrade to the country’s strategic nuclear arsenal, according to the announcement from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces on October 28.

The missile—deployed aboard Le Triomphant–class nuclear submarines—has achieved full operational capability.

The M51.3, developed by ArianeGroup under the supervision of the DGA defense procurement agency, is the third modernization of France’s M51 ICBM family and now forms the backbone of the country’s ocean-based nuclear deterrent.

The ministry said the new version delivers “enhanced range, accuracy, and survivability” against missile-defense systems and carries the upgraded TNO-2 nuclear warhead, developed by France’s Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).

Flight tests for the M51 series have been underway since 2006, with the first M51.3 test launch conducted in November 2023. The system passed a series of qualification firings through 2020–2023, culminating in its formal entry into service this month.

According to open-source data, the M51.3 is a three-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile roughly 12 meters long, 2.3 meters in diameter, and weighing around 50 tons.

It is believed to have a range of 8,000–10,000 km and to carry MIRV reentry vehicles capable of independently targeting multiple sites. Each Le Triomphant–class submarine can launch up to 16 missiles, with France maintaining a total of 48 operational SLBMs as part of its “minimum deterrence” doctrine.

The DGA has already contracted ArianeGroup to begin work on the next upgrade, the M51.4, which will further extend range and improve counter-interception capabilities.

The M51.3 and TNO-2, the ministry said, “complete the modernization of France’s maritime strategic forces and lay the foundation for future developments in the 2030s.”

Earlier, reports emerged that former NATO leaders and senior British commanders called for a joint deterrence pact amid concerns over US reliability and Moscow’s escalating nuclear rhetoric.

Britain should consider sharing its nuclear deterrent with Germany to strengthen Europe’s defenses against an increasingly aggressive Russia, senior British defense officials have said.

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