M51.3 SLBM

Overview

Third evolution of France's M51 submarine-launched ballistic missile, the cornerstone of the Force de Dissuasion nucléaire. The M51.3 features an enhanced post-boost vehicle with improved penetration aids and countermeasures to defeat advanced ballistic missile defense systems. Three-stage solid-propellant rocket with a range exceeding 10,000 km carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs) with TNA (Tête Nucléaire Aéroportée) oceanic thermonuclear warheads. Length of 12 m, weight of 56 tonnes. Launched from Le Triomphant-class SSBNs with 16 missiles per boat. The M51.3 entered service progressively from 2025, maintaining the credibility of French nuclear deterrence through the 2030s.

Operators

• France

Related sea Weapon Systems

• JL-3 SLBM - Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (China)
• IAI Gabriel V - missile (Israel)
• Type 071 Yuzhao - amphibious (China)
• Akya - Heavy Torpedo (Turkey)
• Type 075 LHD - amphibious (China)
• Type 076 LHA - amphibious (China)
• Orka Class Submarine - submarine (Netherlands)
• Type 054A - frigate (China)
• Type 056A Jiangdao - corvette (China)
• AN/SPY-1 - Naval Multi-Function Radar (United States)