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France |
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French Nuclear
Programs (construction)
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French Nuclear
Facilities (construction)
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Possible Delivery System |
Year Deployed |
Maximum Range (km) |
Launcher Total |
Warhead |
Warhead Yield (Kt) |
Notes |
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SLBMs
|
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M4A/B
|
1985
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6,000
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16
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6 TN 70/71
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150
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On Le Foudroyant, a Redoubtable-class sub
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M45
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1996
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6,000
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32
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6 TN 75
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100
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On Triomphant Sub / New missile: M51 is under development
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Aircraft
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Mirage 2000/ASMP
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1988
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2750
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60
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TN 81 ASMP
|
300
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ASMP+ slatted to replace the ASMP in 2007
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Super Etendard (Carrier-based) / ASMP
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1978
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650
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24
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TN 81 ASMP
|
300
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Scheduled to be replaced by the Rafale (B-301)
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Summary of French Nuclear Arsenal
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France is believed to have roughly 350 nuclear warheads, all bomber and submarine based. France plans to deploy two new nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBMs) by 2008, bringing its total number of SSBMs to eight. The French nuclear arsenal, largely a legacy of Charles De Gaulle's insistence on French strategic independence, is the fourth largest in the world. Until 1996, it was deployed on a triad mirroring those of Russia and the United States. However, in February 1996, President Jacques Chirac announced his intention to eliminate the land-based deterrent, dismantling the Hades and S3D missiles, and leaving France with a submarine and aircraft based force. France is modernizing its sea-based deterrent. France has four SSBNs, including two new Triomphant class subs, which carry a new SLBM, the M-45. The controversial nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll in 1995-96 was reportedly done to perfect warhead design. Two new Triomphant subs will be deployed by 2008. The French are even pressing forward with an advanced SLBM design, the M-51, complete with a stealthy, maneuvering warhead called the TN-76. The means of air delivery will remain potent, though the last French nuclear gravity bombs have been retired. The Mirage 2000N and carrier-based Super Etendard fighter-bombers are available to deliver short-range nuclear ASMP missiles. A follow-on to the current ASMP missile, dubbed the ASMP+, is under development and is slated to enter service in 2007. The new French multi-role aircraft, the Rafale D, which will have a nuclear mission, should be ready by then as well. The French stockpile is located at four places, down from a dozen bases at the beginning of the 1990s. |
| Strategic Nuclear Weapons: |
~350 |
| Non-strategic Nuclear Weapons: |
~0 |
| Total Nuclear Weapons: |
~350 |
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