France has launched the production of a new M51.4 nuclear missile — further, more precisely, invulnerable

What's new in M51.4 — Range, accuracy, Deception PRO

France has officially launched mass production of the upgraded M51.4 strategic missile. This is not just an upgrade, it is the next step in the development of its independent nuclear deterrent. The missile was created by ArianeGroup and is designed to arm future third—generation nuclear submarines, the SNLE-3G.

The main improvements are increased range, increased accuracy of hitting and advanced means of overcoming missile defense systems (ABM). It is expected that the M51.4 will be able to fly confidently beyond 9,000 km and at the same time accurately hit targets, even if modern radars and interceptors are deployed around them.

ArianeGroup and €7.5 billion for strategic deterrence

The development and production of the M51.4 is part of a large—scale program estimated at 7.5 billion euros. All engineering work is carried out by ArianeGroup, a key player in the French space and defense industries. This is not only a matter of technology, but also of sovereignty: France does everything on its own, without dependence on other countries.

Such investments show that the nuclear shield remains an absolute priority for Paris.

For new third generation submarines

The M51.4 will be in service with the new SNLE-3G submarines, which will replace the current Le Triomphant-class fleet. These boats will become quieter, more autonomous and more technologically advanced. And together with the M51.4, they will provide France with the opportunity to keep warheads in the ocean — always ready, always invulnerable.

A submarine with such missiles can spend years on covert patrol, remaining the main trump card in strategic calculations.

Why France is not lagging behind in the nuclear technology race

While other countries are also modernizing their arsenals, France is consistently following its own path. The M51.4 is not a response to a specific threat, but part of a long—term strategy: to be able to inflict "unacceptable damage" on any aggressor, wherever it may be.

It's not about the war. It's about not having a war.

Sources

1. Building-Tech.org — M51.4 ICBM: >11 000 km range, high accuracy, ABM-evasion, SNLE-3G fit, €-billion programme
2. UNIAN.net — France launches M51.4 development, €7.5 bn cost, longer range & improved ABM penetration
3. Armiya.az — M51.3/4 roadmap, MIRV payload and technical specs
4. Integral-Russia.ru — Evolution of French nuclear doctrine and M51 warhead options
5. Flot.com — Production start date for M51.4 announced
6. Overclockers.ru — M51.4 development overview and future prospects
7. ProGuns.ru — Details on the new French intercontinental ballistic missile M51.4
8. Interfax — Official: new-generation SLBMs to arm SSBNs starting late 2025

The United States launches full-scale production of the upgraded B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb

B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb

The United States has announced the start of full-scale production of the upgraded B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb, which will start in July 2025. This was announced by the US National Nuclear Safety Agency (NNSA). The new version of the aerial bomb has a capacity of up to 360 kilotons, making it one of the most powerful warheads in the American nuclear arsenal.

The B61-13 is an upgrade of the previous variants of the B61 family, which were developed during the Cold War and have been updated several times since. The main improvements include increased accuracy thanks to a modern guided tail unit, as well as increased explosive power, which effectively hits fortified and large military installations.

Production of the B61-13 is proceeding at high speed — the first munition was assembled almost a year ahead of schedule. This demonstrates the priority of the US nuclear arsenal modernization program in the face of deteriorating global security and growing nuclear threats from Russia, China and North Korea.

The new aerial bomb will be used by the US strategic aviation and deployed at bases in the continental part of the country. At the same time, the number of warheads in the arsenal will not increase, as the B61-13 will replace outdated models, while providing enhanced deterrence capabilities.

Senior representatives of the Department of Energy and the National Agency for Nuclear Safety emphasize that the modernization of nuclear weapons is necessary to maintain the technological superiority and security of the United States, as well as to provide the president with additional options in the field of strategic deterrence.

Canada at the epicenter of the nuclear debate: geopolitics and security challenges

  Canada has begun the first public discussions in decades about the potential creation of its own nuclear arsenal. These debates unfolded against the backdrop of growing instability in the world, including Russia's war against Ukraine, as well as revisionist statements by US President Donald Trump about the possible incorporation of Canada into the United States as the 51st state.   

The initiative of the discussions is related to Canada's concerns about the reliability of American security guarantees. After the US withdrawal from a number of European arms control treaties and Washington's ambiguous signals about protecting its allies, Ottawa is looking for ways to ensure sovereignty. The historical context of the Cold War, when the United States and the USSR teetered on the brink of nuclear conflict, enhances the relevance of the topic in the context of a new confrontation.  

Trump's bold statements about Canada's "annexation" to the United States add spice to the discussions. Although the idea remains hypothetical, it highlights the vulnerability of Canadian foreign policy. Experts note that discussing the nuclear status may be a response to a possible scenario of weakening ties with Washington.

The debate in Canada reflects a broader trend of rethinking security strategies. There are already concerns in NATO that the United States will focus on internal problems, leaving the allies without firm guarantees. For Canada, which has historically relied on the American "nuclear umbrella," this means finding alternatives.  

Training versions of B-61 nuclear bombs

The future of the UK's nuclear arsenal: challenges and prospects

 

Experts warn that Britain's ability to rely on the United States to maintain its nuclear arsenal is now in doubt. At the same time, joint work with European states to replace it will be expensive and time-consuming. The ongoing debate over the future of Trident, Britain's outdated submarine—launched nuclear missile system, has taken a new sharp turn in recent weeks amid fears that Donald Trump may withdraw from NATO.

Challenges for the UK's nuclear arsenal

1. Dependence on the United States:

- The United Kingdom has traditionally relied on the United States to maintain and modernize its nuclear arsenal. However, given the uncertainty in relations with the United States, this dependence threatens the country's national security.

2. Obsolescence of the Trident system:

- The Trident system, which is the backbone of the British nuclear arsenal, is becoming obsolete. Its modernization or replacement requires significant financial and technical resources.

3. Political uncertainty:

   - Fears that Donald Trump may withdraw from NATO are adding uncertainty to security and defense issues. This forces the UK to look for alternative ways to maintain its nuclear arsenal.

Alternative paths

1. Joint work with European States:

- One possible solution is to work with European states to modernize or replace their nuclear arsenal. However, this will be expensive and time-consuming. In addition, coordinating efforts with different countries can be challenging.

2. Own developments:

   - The UK may consider the possibility of independent development and production of nuclear weapons. This will require significant investments in research and development, as well as the creation of the necessary infrastructure.

Prospects

1. Trident modernization:

- One of the possible scenarios is the modernization of the existing Trident system. This will extend its service life and ensure national security for the coming years.

2. Development of a new system:

   - In the long term, the UK may consider developing a new submarine-launched nuclear missile system. This will require significant efforts and resources, but it will provide the country with a modern and reliable nuclear arsenal.

The future of the UK's nuclear arsenal is in doubt due to dependence on the United States and the obsolescence of the Trident system. In the face of political uncertainty and concerns about the US withdrawal from NATO, the UK should consider alternative ways to maintain its nuclear arsenal. Joint work with European states or our own developments may be possible solutions, but they will require significant efforts and resources.