The M45 SLBM is the current standard French Navy's submarine launched ballistic missile (In French terminology the MSBS - Mer-Sol-Ballistique-Stratégique (Sea-ground-Strategic ballistic missile). Forty-eight M45 are in commission in the Force océanique stratégique, the submarine nuclear deterrent component of the French Navy.
The missiles, derived from the M4, are produced by Aerospatiale (now EADS SPACE Transportation). Initially, an ICBM land-based version was considered but these plans were discarded in 1996 to favour an all-naval deployment.
The M45 differs from its predecessor by its increased range (6,000 km vs. 4,000 km), its increased accuracy and penetration capabilities and its new TN-75 warheads. Each missile carries six MIRVs, each armed with a thermonuclear warhead of 100 kt.
The M45 has a reported accuracy of 350 m CEP using an inertial guidance system coupled with computer payload control. It will be succeeded by the M51 SLBM.
In March 1986, a M-4 missile was launched and covered 6,000 km to its target; this flight is rumoured to have been the first test flight for the M-45.
On the night of the 1-2 June 2004, the Triomphant class submarine Vigilant fired a version of the M45 from the southern part of Brittany; the missile hit its target near French Guiana.
| M45 SLBM | |
|---|---|
| Type | ICBM |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1996 |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | EADS SPACE Transportation |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 35 t |
| Length | 11.05 m |
| Diameter | 1.93 m |
| | |
| Warhead | 6 x 100 kt TN 75 |
| | |
| Engine | 3-stage solid |
| Operational range | 6,000 km |
| Guidance system | Inertial plus computer payload control |
| Launch platform | Triomphant class submarines |
