M51.3 Missile Latest News
France recently test-fired for the first time its new M51.3 nuclear-capable ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine.
About M51.3 Missile
- It is a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile developed by France.
- The M51.3, built by ArianeGroup, entered service on 24 October 2025.
- It was developed as a further evolution of the M51 missile family.
- It is being considered as the primary weapon system for France’s next-generation SNLE 3G strategic nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, which are expected to gradually replace the Le Triomphant-class submarines after 2035.
M51.3 Missile Features
- It is a solid-propellant, three-stage launcher weighing over 50 metric tons and measuring 12 meters long.
- It is equipped with new oceanic nuclear warheads (TNO-2).
- Public estimates for the wider M51 family put its range at around 9,000 km (5,600 miles) or more, while French officials have indicated that the latest variant has a greater reach.
- For navigation, the missile uses, among other systems, Europe’s Galileo satellite navigation system.
News: HBL
Last updated on Oct, 2026
→ UPSC 2027 Notification will be released on 13 January 2027 at upsconline.nic.in.
→ Asian Games 2026 are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October.
→ Check Nobel Prize 2026 Winners List here.
→ Download PIB PRiSM Monthly Magazine 2026 here.
→ Check UPSC Monthly Current Affairs Magazine The Recitals here.
→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus here.
→ Download UPSC Model Answers for Mains 2026
→ UPSC Mains Question Paper 2026 is out now for Essay & GS Paper 1, 2, 3 & 4.
→ UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.
→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2027 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.
→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2027 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.
→ Go through the UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation.
→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.
→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India
M51.3 Missile FAQs
Q1. What is the M51.3 missile?+
Q2. Which country developed the M51.3 missile?+
Q3. What type of propulsion does the M51.3 missile use?+
Q4. What is the estimated range of the wider M51 missile family?+
Tags: m51.3 missile prelims current affairs prelims pointers upsc current affairs
