Story perspectives

France Strengthens Nuclear Deterrent with New M51.4 Missile

9/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On August 28, 2025, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) awarded ArianeGroup a contract for the M51.4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
The M51.4 will improve range, accuracy, and penetration, strengthening France's oceanic nuclear deterrent.
It will be used on current and future Le Triomphant-class submarines.
The M51 program has been operational since 2010, with the M51.3 version entering service soon.
The M51 missile has a range of 8,000 to 10,000 km and reaches speeds of Mach 25.

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Story summary

On August 28, 2025, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) awarded ArianeGroup a contract for the M51.4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
The M51.4 will improve range, accuracy, and penetration, strengthening France's oceanic nuclear deterrent.
It will be used on current and future Le Triomphant-class submarines.
The M51 program has been operational since 2010, with the M51.3 version entering service soon.
The M51 missile has a range of 8,000 to 10,000 km and reaches speeds of Mach 25.