What is the M51.3 Missile?
France recently test-fired for the first time its new M51.3 nuclear-capable ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine.
- The M51.3, built by ArianeGroup, entered service on 24 October 2025.
- It was developed as a further evolution of the M51 missile family.
- It is being considered as the primary weapon system for France’s next-generation SNLE 3G strategic nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, which are expected to gradually replace the Le Triomphant-class submarines after 2035.
- It is a solid-propellant, three-stage launcher weighing over 50 metric tons and measuring 12 meters long.
- It is equipped with new oceanic nuclear warheads (TNO-2).
- Public estimates for the wider M51 family put its range at around 9,000 km (5,600 miles) or more, while French officials have indicated that the latest variant has a greater reach.
- For navigation, the missile uses, among other systems, Europe’s Galileo satellite navigation system.
