Over the last 40 years, Astrium and its predecessor companies have developed five generations of ballistic missile systems on behalf of the French defence procurement agency DGA (Délégation Générale pour l’Armement), part of the Ministry of Defence, giving France a credible nuclear deterrent.
Astrium is the only company in Europe to design, develop and manufacture ballistic missiles.
As prime contractor, Astrium is responsible for development and production of the missiles, as well as launch systems at the Ile Longue naval base in north-western France and onboard France’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SNLEs). It is also in charge of keeping these systems in operational condition throughout their lifespan.
