The M51.3 programme follows an incremental development model to align with evolving strategic requirements. Its qualification flight was successfully carried out in November 2023 from the Ballistic Launch Base in Biscarrosse, southwest France.
Over the past two years, validation efforts focused on verifying performance and nuclear safety compliance at operational sites including Ile Longue and aboard nuclear ballistic missile submarines. The final steps required for service entry were completed in September 2025, along with full-scale production readiness.
“This milestone marks the culmination of ten years of development completed on schedule and within the initially defined budget. Coming just weeks after the award of the M51.4 development contract, it demonstrates the full expertise of ArianeGroup and its industrial partners in the field of ballistic and space systems,” said Vincent Pery, Director of Defence Programs at ArianeGroup.
“I would like to thank DGA and the French authorities for their confidence in ArianeGroup’s expertise and role as prime contractor. In today’s evolving geopolitical context, deployment of the M51.3 helps ensure the continued credibility of France’s oceanic nuclear deterrent,” Pery added.
ArianeGroup, as the sole European company capable of designing and producing a strategic missile, leads the M51 programme as industrial prime contractor for the DGA. Its responsibilities cover all stages of the missile’s lifecycle, including design, production, maintenance, operational support and end-of-life dismantling.
