France orders production of a new version of the M51 missile

The contract between ArianeGroup and the French Defence Procurement and Technology Agency (DGA) was signed in August 2025, but its official announcement took place on September 12th. The fourth version of the M51 ballistic missile (M51.4) is expected to feature increased range and precision, strengthening France’s nuclear deterrent. The press release does not provide information on the contract value.

„This contract coincides with the entry into service of the M51.3 missile, the latest version, and the acceleration of production at ArianeGroup in line with the established schedule,” commented Vincent Pery, Director of Defence Programs at ArianeGroup, who thanked DGA for its long-standing trust. ArianeGroup serves as the prime contractor for the M51 missile for the French Strategic Oceanic Forces.

The M51 is a three-stage ballistic missile (SLBM) used by French Le Triomphant-class submarines (Le Triomphant, Le Téméraire, Le Vigilant, and Le Terrible). The submarines can carry up to 16 of these missiles, each capable of carrying up to 10 independently guided thermonuclear warheads with a yield of at least 100 kt each.

The missile is equipped with solid-fuel engines, which, according to Navalnews, are derived from the booster engines of the European Ariane 5 launch vehicle, which ended its 27-year service in July 2023. For many years, the system was used by the European Space Agency to launch payloads crucial for science and safety into space.

According to the manufacturer, the M51 has a gross mass of over 50 tons and is 12 meters long. Its range is estimated at 8,000-10,000 kilometers. The first generation entered service in 2010, and the second in 2015. According to an ArianeGroup statement, the contract signing coincides with the entry into service of the M51.3. However, there is no information on the date for the fourth version of the missile.