| Country: |
France |
| Alternate Name: |
M-5 |
| Class: |
SLBM |
| Basing: |
Submarine-launched |
| Length: |
13.00 m |
| Diameter: |
2.35 m |
| Launch Weight: |
53000 kg |
| Payload: |
6 MIRV warheads |
| Warhead: |
Nuclear 150 kT (x6 MIRV) |
| Propulsion: |
3-stage solid |
| Range: |
6000-8000 km |
| Status: |
Development |
| In Service: |
Exp. 2010 |
Details
The M-51 is an intercontinental-range, submarine-based, solid-propellant, MIRV-capable ballistic missile, that is currently in development in France. Originally, France had planned to replace the M-45 with the M-51, but in 1996 the Ministry of Defense decided the cost of the program was not justified and reduced its capabilities. The 1996 decision has since been reversed as France now intends to replace the M-45 with the M-51 beginning in 2010.
At present, France has the fourth largest strategic arsenal in the world (after the US, Russia, and China), with over three hundred strategic warheads. France has pursued an alternate nuclear program to that of NATO, the goal of which has been to function autonomously and provide France with the ability to escalate conflicts quickly. In 1996, France abandoned land-based deterrence in favor of sea-based deterrence, resulting in decreased costs and increased security. When the M-51 enters service, it will be the sixth missile in France's MSBS (Mer-Sol-Balistique-Stratégique) family, following the M-1, M-2, M-20, M-4, and M-45.
The M-51 is currently under development and little is known about its specifications or abilities. It is expected to have a considerably greater range than its predecessor, the M-45, as well as improved accuracy and performance capabilities – including penetration aids capable of matching the abilities of the Russian anti-ballistic missile system.1 Its warheads may also offer an EMP option.2 These expectations have led some to speculate that French nuclear strategy is broadening from a policy of deterrence to one that includes the possibility of a first-strike; other commentators maintain that the M-51 will simply follow the established French doctrine of deterrence and has only been designed for use against large strategic targets.
The M-51 is believed to be 13.0 m long, 2.35 m in diameter, and 53,000 kg.3 The estimated range of the missile varies greatly from source to source. The January 2009 edition of Jane’s suggests that missile will have a range between 6,000 and 8,000 km. Other sources suggest that the range is close to 10,000km.4 The M-51 will carry between four and six MIRVs using the TN-75 warheads developed for the M-45 missile. Each RV has a total weight of 230 kg while holding a 115 kg warhead. Each MIRV has a yield of 100 kT.5 A later model of the M-51, the M-51.2, is expected to employ an improved warhead with selectable yields up to 150 kt (the model currently in development, previously referred to as simply the M-51, is officially known as M-51.1). The improved warhead, known as the TNO (Tete Nuclaire Oceanique) Warhead, would have a complete RV weight of 500 kg.
The M-51 entered development in 1998, with the first flight in 2004. Subsequent flights tests were made in November 2006, June 2007, January 2010, and July 2010.6 France intends to begin replacing the M-45 with the M-51 by the end of 2010. The first batch of missiles will be deployed on Le Terrible, the last of four SNLE-NG (Sous-Marins Nucléaires Lanceurs Engins-Nouvelle Génération) new generation submarines. Eventually, all four SNLE-NG submarines, Le Triomphant, Le Temeraire, Le Vigilant, and Le Terrible, could carry 16 M-51 missiles each. The M-51 will then become the primary French nuclear deterrent.
Test flights of the later model, the M-51.2, are expected to begin in 2010 and the missile will potentially enter service in 2015.
Footnotes
1. Jane's Strategic Weapons Systems, Issue 50, ed. Duncan Lennox, (Surrey: Jane's Information Group, January 2009), 48.
2. Giovanni de Briganti, “M51 Missile Nears First Test Launch; Will Equip Final SSBN in 2010,” defense-aerospace.com, 25 September 2006, available at http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/feature/73442/m51-missile,-new-ssbn-mark-renewal-of-french-naval-deterrent<§strong>.html, accessed on 26 August 2010.
3. Jane’s.
4. Giovanni de Briganti; “French Sub Tests M51 with Success,” United Press International, 29 January 2010, available at http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2010/01/29/French-sub-tests-M51-with-success/UPI-72001264788477/, accessed on 26 August 2010.
5. Jane’s.
6. “Le Terrible Qualifies for Operational Launch of M51 Missile,” Defense Professionals, 13 July 2010, available at http://www.defpro.com/news/details/16676/, accessed on 26 August 2010.
France Updating SLBM Arsenal
November 10, 2004 :: AP :: News
France is set to award $1.55 billion in contracts for the first set of new submarine launched ICBMs. Development of the M-51 began in 1998, and it has been designed to replace the older M-45 missiles. Reuters reports that the M-51 will be deployed on French submarines by 2010; earlier estimates set the date at 2008.
The Associated Press describes the contract as being for an unspecified number of missiles. It seems likely, however, that the number will be at least 64. France currently has 16 M-45 missiles deployed on each of four submarines, where the M-51 will also be deployed. When the M-45 entered service in 1997, 192 were reported to have been built. (Article, Link)
» French description of M-51, M-45 missiles
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» Missile details: M-45, M-51
