French DGA orders development of M51.4 strategic ballistic missile from ArianeGroup
12 September 2025 – On August 28, 2025, the French Armaments Agency (DGA) awarded ArianeGroup the contract for the development and production of the fourth version (M51.4) of the M51 strategic ballistic missile.
The M51.4, which will enter service over the next decade, will be deployed aboard both current Le Triomphant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and future third-generation SSBNs, which have been in development since 2021.
The M51.4’s enhanced performance, particularly in terms of range, accuracy, and ability to penetrate enemy defenses, will help maintain the credibility of ocean deterrence in the face of evolving threats.
In accordance with the Military Planning Act, the DGA is working towards the ongoing modernization of the oceanic component of French deterrence. The M51 sea-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) program contributes to maintaining these capabilities by equipping the four SSBNs with successive versions of this strategic nuclear missile.
The various versions of the M51 are being developed in successive stages (increments) to meet evolving operational needs and integrate the latest technological innovations to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the oceanic component of deterrence. This incremental development also ensures the maintenance of industrial expertise in missile design and production.
Firings without nuclear warheads are regularly conducted from the SSBNs and DGA missile tests to demonstrate the full capability of the oceanic component of deterrence.
The M51:
The M51 strategic ballistic missile is a multi-warhead missile with intercontinental capability.
In service with the Strategic Oceanic Force (SOF) since 2010, it currently comes in two versions: M51.1 and M51.2. In 2014, work began on the third version of the missile (M51.3), aimed at maintaining the capabilities of our oceanic component in the face of evolving, more stringent anti-missile defenses. This version will soon enter service.
Photo courtesy ArianeGroup