Astrium M51 submarine-launched ballistic missile

Thanks for sharing that link, Forest Green. Interesting to see ArianeGroup moving forward with the M51.4, looks like it’s meant to be a major upgrade over the earlier M51 variants, with improved range and accuracy. This should keep the French SSBN fleet’s deterrent capability modernized well into the 2040s."

Would you like me to make it a bit longer by mentioning its connection to the M51.3 currently in service?
 
www.defensenews.com

France updates submarine-launched nuclear missile amid arms race

The third and latest version of the M51 has new nuclear warheads as well as improved range, accuracy and capability to penetrate enemy defenses.
www.defensenews.com www.defensenews.com
The M51.3 is estimated to have a range of more than 9,500 kilometers, compared to more than 9,000 kilometers for the previous iteration, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

The first version of the M51 ballistic missile became operational in 2010, and the DGA in August tasked ArianeGroup with development of the future M51.4 version.

As well as updating the ocean-based nuclear-deterrence component, France is working on the air-launched ASN4G hypersonic missile to replace the ASMPA nuclear cruise missile carried by the Rafale fighter jet. The new missile is to be integrated on the future F5 standard of the Rafale.
Click to expand...

www.navalnews.com

France's M51.3 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile enters operational service - Naval News

The third version of the M51 submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) known as “M51.3” entered operational service on 24 October, 2025.
www.navalnews.com www.navalnews.com
 
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