M-45

The M45 was developed as part of France's MSBS submarine-launched ballistic missile line, following the M4 generation and preceding the M51. Its role was to keep the Force océanique stratégique credible during the transition to newer ballistic-missile submarines and missile technology. The system is associated with French nuclear deterrence rather than conventional naval strike.

Public technical descriptions identify the M45 as a submarine-launched ballistic missile with solid propulsion and a range in the several-thousand-kilometer class. It carried France's TN75 nuclear warhead package and was deployed from ballistic-missile submarines, making reliability, patrol readiness, and secure launch integration more important than battlefield flexibility. Detailed payload and penetration-aid data remain sensitive, so public figures should be treated as estimates.

Operationally, M45 belonged to the survivable leg of France's nuclear forces: submarines at sea carrying missiles able to retaliate even after a first strike. Its value was not frequent use or tactical flexibility, but assured patrol availability and credible strategic reach. As the M51 entered service, M45's role narrowed and the older system was progressively displaced by the newer missile family.