France Successfully Test-Fires New M51.3 Long-Range Ballistic Missile in Effort to Boost Nuclear Deterrence

France successfully test-fired on November 18 the latest unarmed version of the M51.3 strategic ballistic missile designed to be launched from French navy submarines.

The test, executed over the Bay of Biscay, reaffirms France's commitment to maintaining a robust and independent nuclear force, New Atlas reported.

Nuclear Capability of France

While discussions about the nuclear arsenal of France may not dominate public discourse, the Force de frappe or Force de dissuasion, armed with 290 fusion warheads, plays a crucial role in Europe's security landscape.

This nuclear capability is designed to serve as a deterrent against potential threats to the French homeland. France employs a diversified approach to its nuclear capabilities, with some weapons deployed on fighter bombers.

However, the centerpiece of its nuclear deterrence strategy lies with the French Navy's Triomphant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

Always on patrol, each of these submarines carries 16 M45 missiles, capable of carrying multiple TN75 warheads with a yield of 110 kilotons. Developed by ArianeGroup since 2010, the M51 family of missiles represents an advancement over its predecessor, the M45.

The latest variant, M51.3, has been in development since 2014 and offers improvements such as the ability to carry warheads with a yield of up to 150 kilotons, according to New Atlas.

Additionally, it features an enhanced third stage for extended range and improved capabilities to penetrate missile defenses, with an estimated range of about 10,000 km (5,000 miles) and a top speed of Mach 25.

Cutting-Edge Nuclear Deterrent

Scheduled to be in service by 2025 on the Triomphant class and the planned SNLE 3G successor submarine class, the M51.3 is a testament to France's ongoing commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge nuclear deterrent.

The recent test, conducted under the French General Directorate of Armaments (DGA), saw the missile launched from the DGA missile testing site in Biscarrosse, southwestern France.

The flight path took the missile over the North Atlantic, with a controlled splashdown in a remote sea area far from any coastline. Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces, expressed satisfaction with the successful qualification firing of the M51.3.

Emphasizing the importance of this development in perpetuating the credibility of France's nuclear deterrence, Lecornu commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA), and industrial partners.

The Defense Ministry's statement highlighted the meticulous monitoring of the missile throughout its flight phase by the DGA's test resources. The fallout zone in the North Atlantic, far from any coast, underlines the commitment to conducting tests in strict compliance with international agreements.