🇫🇷 ⚡️ - France's Director General of Armies (DGA) launched Silkex (Système de Lancement dExpériences) the sonic missile developed by ArianeGroup during the night of November 3 to 4, 2026, at the Biscarrosse test range. The missile carried tests supporting the development of the future M51.4 ballistic missile (SLBM). The launch occurred less than a month after an unarmed M51.3 missile was fired from the ballistic missile submarine La Wildent on October 6, 2026. This test also supported the M51.4 program, with ArianeGroup confirming that the rocket has carried out additional tests for the next version. The DGA awarded Arianic the contract to develop and manufacture the M51.4 on August 28, 2025. This will be the fourth version of France's M51 SLBM, which forms the backbone of its sea-based nuclear deterrent. The M51.4 is expected to enter service in the 2030s on Le Trimphant-class submarines and France's ballistic missile submarines. According to the DGA, the new version will offer greater range and accuracy, along with improved capabilities to penetrate missile defenses. @OSINTWarfare.

🇫🇷 ⚡️ - France's Director General of Armies (DGA) launched Silkex (Système de Lancement dExpériences) the sonic missile developed by ArianeGroup during the night of November 3 to 4, 2026, at the Biscarrosse test range. The missile carried tests supporting the development of the future M51.4 ballistic missile (SLBM). The launch occurred less than a month after an unarmed M51.3 missile was fired from the ballistic missile submarine La Wildent on October 6, 2026. This test also supported the M51.4 program, with ArianeGroup confirming that the rocket has carried out additional tests for the next version. The DGA awarded Arianic the contract to develop and manufacture the M51.4 on August 28, 2025. This will be the fourth version of France's M51 SLBM, which forms the backbone of its sea-based nuclear deterrent. The M51.4 is expected to enter service in the 2030s on Le Trimphant-class submarines and France's ballistic missile submarines. According to the DGA, the new version will offer greater range and accuracy, along with improved capabilities to penetrate missile defenses. @OSINTWarfare.