The Exocet missile series of French short-range anti-ship cruise missile. There are six Exocet variants, which differ by their launch platforms and levels of modernization. These are the MM38, MM40, MM40 Block 2, and MM40 Block 3 sea- and ground-launched models, the AM39 air-launched model, and the SM39 sub-launched variant. Exocet Development The original Exocet missile,...
The Pluton was a French tactical ballistic missile in service from 1974 to 1993. It typically carried a 15 – 25 kiloton yield (kT) nuclear warhead. Pluton Development The development of the Pluton began in the early 1960s and the missile became operational in 1974. France pursued an improved version, called the Super Pluton, but dropped...
Hadès was a short-range, road-mobile, solid-propellant ballistic missile developed by France to replace its Pluton missile. It was capable of delivering a high explosive or nuclear payload. Hadès Development The Hadès project dated back to 1975, when it was designed as a replacement for the tactical road-mobile Pluton system. Development began in 1984, followed by flight...
The M45 was an intercontinental-range, submarine-based, solid-fueled ballistic missile produced by Aerospatiale (now EADS SPACE Transportation). With improved range and accuracy over its predecessor, the M4, it was the core missile of the French sea-based nuclear deterrent, consisting of the Triomphant-class ballistic missile submarines. In 2004, the Ministry of Defense announced its plan to replace the...
The SCALP EG and its variants are a series of French-made air-launched cruise missiles. Variants of the missile have been customized and sold to the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. France has also developed and deployed a sea-launched version for use on its naval ship and submarines. APACHE AP...
The Air-Sol Moyenne Portée (ASMP/ ASMP-A) is an air-launched land-attack cruise missile that carries a nuclear payload. It is a central component of France’s nuclear deterrent force. ASMP/ ASMP-A Development The missile was developed as a product of a competition between Matra’s turbojet proposal and Aerospatiale’s ramjet proposal (now MBDA). The ramjet version was chosen...
The M51 is a French long-range, solid-fueled, MIRV-capable, submarine-launched ballistic missile. It is a core component of France’s nuclear deterrent force. M51 Development Originally, France had planned to replace the M45 with the M5, but in 1996 the Ministry of Defense decided the cost of the program was not justified and reduced its capabilities. The...
France is one of the world’s major missile powers, with an array of sophisticated ballistic and cruise missile programs. It is also one of the five recognized nuclear weapon states and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. France’s nuclear deterrent is split between two legs: its fleet of nuclear ballistic missile submarines and...
