France’s defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded a contract to ArianeGroup to develop the M51.4, the fourth variant of the country’s submarine-launched nuclear ballistic missile. The upgrade will deliver greater range, accuracy, and penetration capabilities to reinforce France’s sea-based nuclear deterrent.
The announcement comes as the M51.3 version enters service and production accelerates. The programme covers design, manufacturing, maintenance, and long-term support, marking a significant boost for French industrial and technological capabilities.
The M51 series, which began replacing the M45 missile in 2010, represents the new generation of intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Each missile can carry between six and ten manoeuvrable TNO nuclear warheads, each with a yield of 150 kilotons. With a launch weight of 52 tonnes, the missile achieves speeds of up to Mach 25 and a range of 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres.
Recent flight tests of the M51 family have been declared highly successful, underscoring its future operational readiness and confirming its role as a central element of France’s strategic deterrence posture.
