ArianeGroup awarded contract by DGA to design and produce new M51.4 strategic ballistic missile

“This contract coincides with the entry into service of the M51.3, the missile’s latest version, and the acceleration in production at ArianeGroup in line with the agreed schedule,” comments Vincent Pery, Director of Defence Programs at ArianeGroup. “On behalf of ArianeGroup and all the teams, I would like to thank DGA for its renewed confidence in our highly strategic expertise and capabilities, which are vital to France’s Strategic Oceanic Force.”

The M51.4’s enhanced range, precision and penetration capabilities are expected to reinforce the credibility of France’s oceanic nuclear deterrent in response to evolving threats. The programme marks the beginning of design and production work that will secure industrial activity for ArianeGroup and hundreds of partner companies in the years ahead.

According to ArianeGroup, the programme will also act as a driver of transformation by introducing innovative technologies, methods and approaches to achieve ambitious technical and economic goals. The company remains the industrial prime contractor for the M51 strategic missile on behalf of DGA, covering the entire lifecycle from design and production to maintenance, in-service support and decommissioning.

Source: ArianeGroup (press release).