July 4, 2008

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M-51

Country:  France
Alternate Name:  M-5
Class:  SLBM
Basing:  Submarine-launched
Length:  13.00 m
Diameter:  2.35 m
Launch Weight:  50000 kg
Payload:  6 MIRV warheads
Warhead:  Nuclear 100 kT
Propulsion:  3-stage solid
Range:  8000-10000 km
Status:  Development
In Service:  Exp. 2010

Details

The M-51 is an intercontinental-range, submarine-based, solid-propellant, MIRV-capable ballistic missile, currently in development. 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. However, France recently announced its plan 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 a 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. However, many commentators believe that the M-51 will follow the French doctrine of deterrence and be designed for use against strategic targets such as cities. Reports indicate that the missile will have an increased capability against hardened silos. The M-51 is believed to be suited for either role, due to its Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) warheads. However, even with the M-51, the French nuclear force will remain insufficient to defeat a nuclear strike from the US, China, or Russia. It is more likely that the M-51 will be targeted mainly against cities as a deterrent force.


As envisioned, the M-51 will be 13.0 m long, 2.35 m in diameter, and will weigh 50,000 kg. It will have a range of between 8,000 and 10,000 km (4,971 and 6,214 miles) depending upon the size of the payload, and will be powered by a three-stage solid-propellant engine. The M-51 will carry either four or six MIRVs using the TN-75 warheads developed for the M-45 missile. Altogether, the warheads weigh 115 kg and the complete RV has a weight of 230 kg. Each MIRV has a yield of 100 kT.1

The M-51 entered development in 1998, with the first flight in 2004. France recently announced its intention to replace the M-45 with the M-51 beginning in 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, will carry 16 M-51 missiles each. Thus, the M-51 is slated to become the primary French nuclear deterrent.2 Latest reports from March 2008 suggest that the M-51 will begin its firing tests from on board Le Terrible as soon as 2009. 3

Footnotes

  1. Duncan Lennox, ed., Jane's Strategic Weapons Systems 46 (Surrey: Jane's Information Group, January 2007), 44-45; GlobalSecurity.org, "M-5/M-51," available at http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/france/m-5.htm, accessed on 3 June 2008.
  2. Lennox Volume 46, Page 45; "France Awards M-51 Contract," Jane's Defence Weekly, 12 January 2005; "Paris Purchases SLBMs," Periscope Daily Defense News Capsules, 5 January 2005.S
  3. "Missile Upgrade," Aviation Week & Space Technology, News Breaks; Vol. 168, No. 13, Pg. 16, 31 March 2008, Accessed 4 June 2008.

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

» More stories on: Allies

» Missile details: M-45, M-51

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