France test-launches M51.Three unarmed nuclear missile

French Protection Minister Sebastien Lecornu expressed immense satisfaction following the profitable qualification check on November 18, 2023, of the brand new M51.Three unarmed nuclear ballistic missile.

The check, carried out by the Common Directorate of Armament from the Landes website of DGA Missile Testing, marks a major evolution within the missile’s capabilities, guaranteeing the sustained credibility of France’s oceanic deterrence for many years to return.

Lecornu conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the women and men of the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the Atomic Power and Different Energies Fee (CEA), and the economic companions whose efforts culminated on this achievement.

All through its flight part, the missile was meticulously tracked by DGA’s testing services. Its designated influence zone lies within the North Atlantic, a number of hundred kilometers away from any shoreline. This nuclear-free check rigorously adheres to France’s worldwide commitments.

[#Dissuasion] Tir d’essai réussi pour le missile #M51

La DGA a coordonné et de conduit avec succès un tir d’essai de missile M51 sans cost militaire depuis son website de Biscarrosse.

Il s’agissait du 1er tir d’un missile #M51 en model M51.3.#NotreDéfense @Armees_Gouv pic.twitter.com/pqZy2LJLxD

— Course générale de l’armement (@DGA) November 18, 2023

The M51, an intercontinental multiple-warhead missile, surpasses the capabilities of its predecessor, the M45, guaranteeing the enduring credibility of France’s oceanic deterrence in an evolving strategic context. Ultimately, it is going to equip all four SNLE submarines of the Le Triomphant class.

Weighing roughly 54 tonnes, its enhanced penetration capabilities in opposition to adversarial defenses and heightened nuclear security add to its significance. Furthermore, its precision advantages from stellar realignment capabilities.

This system’s technique revolves round incrementally evolving the missile, guaranteeing it meets evolving wants whereas sustaining industrial proficiency. Presently, the M51 manifests in two variations, M51.1 and M51.2, with efforts ongoing for the third model, M51.3, initiated again in 2014.