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.
Since the first-generation M-1 submarine-launched strategic
ballistic missile entered service in 1971, several generations have
been deployed: the increased-range M-2 in 1974, the M-20 with a
megaton-class warhead in 1976, and the larger, three-stage M4, capable
of delivering multiple warheads, in 1985. Deployment of the enhanced
performance M-45 was completed in 1999. The new-generation M-51 will
enter service in 2010. The two first M-51 test flights successfully
took place in 2006 and 2007.
France’s Strategic Oceanic Force deploys four SNLE-class submarines, the first-generation Inflexible, and the new-generation (SNLE-NG) Triomphant, Téméraire and Vigilent.
All these submarines are equipped with 16 multiple-warhead M45 nuclear
missiles, with a range of more than 4,000 kilometres. One other SNLE-NG
submarine, Terrible, is already under construction and slated
to enter service in 2010. These new-generation submarines feature a
very low acoustic signature, which reduces detectability and makes the
system even more effective.
