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France Deploys Advanced M51.3 Submarine Missile System

10/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

France's Ministry of the Armed Forces announced the operational deployment of the M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on October 24, 2025.
M51.3 was developed by ArianeGroup and carries the TNO-2 nuclear warhead, enabling a range of 8,000 to 10,000 km with improved accuracy.
The first successful test launch occurred on November 18, 2023.
Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) has contracted ArianeGroup for next upgrade, M51.4, to extend range and counter-interception capabilities.

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Story summary

France's Ministry of the Armed Forces announced the operational deployment of the M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on October 24, 2025.
M51.3 was developed by ArianeGroup and carries the TNO-2 nuclear warhead, enabling a range of 8,000 to 10,000 km with improved accuracy.
The first successful test launch occurred on November 18, 2023.
Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) has contracted ArianeGroup for next upgrade, M51.4, to extend range and counter-interception capabilities.