Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:05:10-3:05:34

From M45 to M51 in a British deterrent

Choosing France's M45 would make M51 the natural later upgrade, although a subsequent switch to Trident D5 would remain possible.

British Nuclear DeterrentDefence ProcurementM45 MissileM51 MissileSubmarine Launched Ballistic MissilesTrident Missile
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Question

If Britain selected France's M45 instead of Trident, how realistic would an upgrade to M51 be by the 2020s?

Short answer

M51 would be the obvious French-path upgrade, though Britain might instead switch to Trident D5.

Notes

Selecting M45 would establish a French missile procurement path for the British deterrent. M51 would then be the obvious successor by the 2020s. A subsequent move to the American Trident D5 is also left open, so the initial choice does not fix every later decision. No cost estimate or submarine redesign is offered.