France’s nuclear stockpile of approximately 290 warheads has remained stable in recent years, but significant modernizations are underway regarding ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, submarines, aircraft, and the nuclear industrial complex.
France launches SNLE 3G SSBN programme
22 February 2021
by Nicholas Fiorenza
French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly has launched the Sous-marin Nucléaire Lanceur d’Engins de 3e Génération (SNLE 3G) third-generation strategic ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) programme, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the French defence procurement agency, announced on its website on 19 February.
The DGA expected the first contract to be awarded in 2021, covering development studies lasting until 2025, the production of the first elements of the SNLE 3G s hull and nuclear boiler room, and the preparation of Naval Group s production facilities to build the SSBN.