France announced that a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) has been successfully tested at a land-based test range. This was the first launch of the M51.3 ballistic missile.

The tests were carried out by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) at the missile test range. According to the statement made by the French Ministry of Armed Forces, these were “qualified shots”. The tests confirmed a significant missile evolution that will help strengthen our confidence in our deterrence in the oceans for decades to come.

The rocket was monitored throughout the entire flight phase. This test was carried out without a nuclear payload and in full compliance with France’s international obligations. This latest version of the M51 missile provides greater range and greater survivability against anti-missile defense (BMD) systems.

M51 It is a new generation submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile that began replacing the M45 in 2010. Each missile carries six to ten independently guided TN 75 thermonuclear warheads (IRCH – independently guided, detachable main body). Since 2015 the TN 75s have been replaced by the new Tête nucléaire océanique (TNO or oceanic nuclear warhead). The TNO has a yield estimated to be greater than or equal to the TN 75 warhead of 150 kilotons of TNT (kt) with a CEP (Circular Error Probability) of 150 meters.

The M51 three-stage engine became the basis for the development of solid-fuel boosters for the European Ariane-5 space rocket. Data from open sources indicate the following characteristics of the M51 missile: mass – 52 tons, length – 12.0 m, diameter – 2.3 m. The flight range of the M51 is from 8,000 to 10,000 km at a speed of Mach 25.

The first test launch of the M51 ballistic missile was successfully carried out on 9 November 2006 at the Missile Research Center (CELM) in Biscarross, France. The missile test failed on May 5, 2013. Subsequent tests of the M51 in 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021 and 2023 were successful. Source