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

US Navy confirms commitment to fleet of 11 aircraft carriers as key element of global deterrence

Vice Admiral Cheever: Aircraft carriers are a symbol of America and a deterrent force

Vice Admiral Daniel Cheever, Commander of the Naval Air Forces and Air Forces of the Pacific Region of the US Navy, said that aircraft carriers will remain a central element of the United States naval strategy in the long term. Speaking on Tuesday at an event hosted by the Canadian Institute for Strategic Studies (CSIS) and the U.S. Naval Institute, he stressed the importance of maintaining a fleet of 11 aircraft carriers.

"In the U.S. Navy, we strive to maintain the level required by the National Defense Authorization Act of 11 aircraft carriers and nine wings," Cheever said.

Support for 11 aircraft carriers and nine air wings

The current US legislative framework requires the maintenance of at least 11 Nimitz and Ford class attack aircraft carriers, which ensures a continuous presence in key regions of the world — from the Indo-Pacific region to the Middle East and Europe.

Nine air wings are combat formations assigned to aircraft carriers, including hundreds of carrier—based fighters, reconnaissance, search and rescue and tanker aircraft. Maintaining their full combat readiness is a priority for the Navy.

Aircraft carriers as a tool for projecting power

According to the vice admiral, the aircraft carrier is not just a military platform, but "a vivid symbol of America." His appearance in the water area is a powerful political and strategic signal.

"The aircraft carrier is a very, very important visible deterrent around the world. Everyone knows when this aircraft carrier is approaching or even approaching. This usually means that our air force is bigger than anywhere else," Cheever said.

Carrier strike groups are capable of operating autonomously, providing air cover, strikes against ground targets, reconnaissance and electronic warfare, independent of ground bases.

The U.S. Navy's Long-term strategy in the face of a changing threat

Despite the growing threats from hypersonic weapons, unmanned systems, and anti-ship missiles, the U.S. Navy continues to view aircraft carriers as an integral part of its power. At the same time, their role is adapting: the share of unmanned aircraft (for example, the MQ-25) is increasing, and air defense and electronic defense systems are being improved.

Maintaining 11 aircraft carriers is a demonstration of commitment to global stability and allies, as well as readiness to respond to any challenges.

India has successfully tested an Agni-5 ballistic missile capable of delivering a warhead to any region of China.

Successful launch of Agni-5 rocket in Odisha

On Wednesday, India successfully tested its longest—range ballistic missile, the Agni-5. The launch was carried out from a test site on the island of Abdul Kalam (formerly Veli) in the state of Odisha, located on the east coast of the country. According to the Ministry of Defense, the missile "confirmed all operational and technical parameters," which indicates the high accuracy and reliability of the system.

The test was conducted as part of India's strategic forces modernization program and underscores its desire to strengthen its nuclear capabilities in the face of growing geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Technical characteristics and flight range

The Agni-5 is a solid—fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of about 5,000-5,500 kilometers, which allows it to reach anywhere in China, including its eastern provinces and the capital Beijing. The rocket has a length of about 17 meters, a diameter of 1.3 meters and a launch weight of about 50 tons.

It is equipped with an inertial navigation system and satellite control, which ensures high accuracy when hitting targets. The Agni-5 is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead weighing up to 1.5 tons and can be launched from both a mobile launcher and mine complexes, which increases its survivability and stealth.

Strategic importance for India's defense

The introduction of the Agni-5 into service will be an important milestone in the development of India's triad of nuclear forces (land, submarine and air components). The missile fills a critical gap in the country's ability to strike back at long range, especially with regard to China, with which India maintains tense relations over the border in the Himalayas.

Agni-5 is considered as a key element of the deterrence strategy. Its mobility, range and accuracy make it an effective tool for maintaining the balance of power in the region and demonstrating India's technological independence in developing defense systems.

Reaction to the geopolitical situation in Asia

The Agni-5 test comes amid increased Chinese military activity in the South China Sea, the growth of its nuclear arsenal, and the strengthening of military ties with Pakistan, India's traditional rival. The presence of a missile capable of reaching strategic targets in China strengthens New Delhi's position in diplomatic and military negotiations.

At the same time, India stresses its policy of "minimal deterrence," stating that its nuclear forces are purely defensive in nature. Nevertheless, the successful Agni-5 trials signal that the country is ready to defend its interests at a new technological level.

Zapad-2025 exercises to work out planning for the use of nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik complex — Ministry of Defense of Belarus

The joint Belarusian-Russian Zapad-2025 exercises will be held from September 12 to 16. The main purpose of these maneuvers is to check the readiness of the forces of the two countries to ensure the military security of the Union State, as well as to practice repelling possible aggression. 

Special attention will be paid to the important topic of planning the use of nuclear weapons. As stated by Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin after a closed-door report to President Lukashenko, this is a key element of strategic deterrence. The minister stressed that the situation near the western and northern borders is causing serious concern due to the increase in military activity, and we need to be prepared for anything. At the same time, he noted that Belarus demonstrates peacefulness, but the powder must be kept dry.

In addition, the Belarusian and Russian military will work out the use of the Oreshnik complex, a fairly new and serious defense tool. The Oreshnik is an important element of modern military equipment, given the security challenges in the region.

The exercises will be held with a wide range of tasks: repelling enemy air strikes, conducting defensive combat, defeating the enemy, providing air support and combating sabotage groups. Active actions will take place, including in fortified areas in the western directions, such as Volkovysk and Smorgon.

Thus, Zapad-2025 will become a large-scale event aimed at working out key security issues and demonstrating readiness for any challenges on the western flank of the Union State.

The B-2 Spirit nuclear bomber is practicing penetration into the disputed airspace

B-2 Spirit

The B-2 Spirit nuclear bomber, developed by Northrop Grumman, recently underwent large-scale tests as part of a joint exercise between the United States and its allies. This stealth aircraft is capable of penetrating contested airspace, providing a strategic advantage due to its stealth and range.

The B-2 Spirit can reach anywhere in the world in a matter of hours, making it a key element of nuclear deterrence and global force projection. During the exercises, the bomber practiced the tasks of overcoming modern air defense systems and delivering pinpoint strikes against strategic targets.

While the future U.S. Air Force B-21 "Raider" platform continues to attract media attention before its deployment, the B-2 remains an important asset in the arsenal of the U.S. Air Force. Its unique characteristics and capabilities make it indispensable in modern conditions, when issues of airspace control and strategic security are becoming increasingly relevant.

The United States is considering the permanent deployment of F-35A fighter jets in South Korea: a strategic shift on the Korean Peninsula

 

The United States is exploring the possibility of permanently deploying F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. This step could be an important strategic decision, significantly enhancing US air capabilities in the region. Currently, American forces on the Korean Peninsula are heavily dependent on aging F-16 Fighting Falcons, which makes the modernization of the fleet of combat aircraft especially urgent.

The F-35A Lightning II is an advanced 5th generation fighter with stealth technology, high maneuverability and the ability to integrate with modern combat control systems. The permanent deployment of these aircraft in South Korea will allow the United States to provide a rapid response to any threats in one of the most tense regions of the world. 

So far, the F-35A has been temporarily deployed in the region solely for joint exercises with allies. However, the continued presence of these fighters will send a serious signal to potential adversaries and underscore the United States' willingness to defend its interests and the security of its allies.

Kunsan Air Base, located on the west coast of South Korea, has long played a key role in the US defense strategy. Its proximity to the border with the DPRK makes it an important outpost for deterring aggression from North Korea. The deployment of the F-35A at this base will significantly strengthen the defense capabilities not only of South Korea, but also of the entire region.

The continued presence of the F-35A will also increase the level of interoperability between the U.S. and South Korean armed forces. This is especially important in the context of growing tensions caused by the DPRK's nuclear program and its provocative actions.

Plans to deploy the F-35A may cause concern to China and Russia, which have traditionally been following US military moves in the Asia-Pacific region. For North Korea, this will be another reason to strengthen its rhetoric and, possibly, new weapons tests.

At the same time, US allies, including Japan and Australia, are likely to approve this step, seeing it as strengthening collective security. The joint efforts of the countries of the region are aimed at countering threats and maintaining stability.

The permanent deployment of the F-35A at Kunsan Air Base will be part of a broader strategy to strengthen the US military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. This decision also demonstrates Washington's commitment to protecting its allies and countering the challenges posed by the growing military activity of China and North Korea.

The US Air Force has completed a key stage of nuclear modernization: successful testing of the MH-139 Grey Wolf

 

MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter

The US Air Force has reached an important milestone in the nuclear forces modernization program by successfully completing the Nuclear Convoy 2025 (NCC) course. The event took place from March 30 to April 18, 2025 at the Camp Guernsey, Wyoming Joint Training Center. This course became particularly significant as it focused on testing the capabilities of the new MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter, designed to ensure the safety of transporting components of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

The MH-139 Grey Wolf is a next-generation helicopter designed to replace the legacy UH-1N Huey models. The new helicopter is equipped with modern technologies, including improved navigation, communication and protection systems, which makes it more efficient in carrying out tasks related to the protection and transportation of nuclear assets. As part of the NCC course, tests were conducted to assess the ability of the MH-139 Grey Wolf to withstand modern threats and carry out missions in difficult conditions.

The nuclear convoy course is part of a large-scale modernization program for the US nuclear forces, which includes updating the entire infrastructure related to ICBMs, as well as introducing new technologies to improve safety and reliability. The successful completion of the NCC confirmed the Air Force's willingness to integrate the MH-139 Grey Wolf into its operations, which will be an important step in strengthening national defense.

The introduction of the MH-139 Grey Wolf is of strategic importance not only for the United States, but also for the entire world. Modern geopolitical challenges require the countries-powers to increase the level of security of their nuclear arsenals. The new helicopter will allow the US Air Force to more effectively protect its ICBM bases and respond to any potential threats.

In addition, the nuclear modernization program demonstrates the U.S. commitment to investing in future defense technologies. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between the military, industry, and academia to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet modern security requirements.