France Makes $4 Billion Strategic Missile Order

France has submitted a $4 billion order for an unspecified number of M-51 ballistic missiles, each of which can carry six nuclear warheads, Agence France-Presse reported today (see GSN, Nov. 10).

The missiles are set to replace the existing M-45 missiles in 2010 on four French submarines. The M-51 missile has greater range and accuracy than its predecessor, AFP reported. Each boat can carry 16 missiles, along with replacements.

A subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. is handling the contract with the Snecma Propulsion group and SNPE Materiaux, according to AFP (Agence France-Presse/SpaceWar.com, Dec. 23).

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