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French Nuclear Deterrent, Episode 1: The Key to Independence

Focus - French Nuclear Deterrent

French Nuclear Deterrent, Episode 1: The Key to Independence

Article first published by DCNS on 01/20/2017
A study¹ performed by the FRS (Foundation for Strategic Research) underlines the importance of the industrial sector for the credibility of the oceanic component of the French nuclear deterrent, in terms of technological potential, competencies but also economic activities and jobs. To place this study into its context, it is useful to first recall the basics of this area.

Le Redoutable class first generation SSBN French Navy

A Le Redoutable-class first generation SSBN. Picture: French Navy

In 1972, the ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Le Redoutable set off on its first oceanic patrol. This event represented France’s acquisition of a new deterrence component intended to strike “second”, for example in response to a massive strike on French territory, as a complement to the airborne and land-based components. Since then, the deterrence capacities have gone through political, doctrinal² or physical changes but always in accordance with the principles of deterrence to protect France’s territorial integrity against any attacks. These principles are independence, freedom of action and strict sufficiency, meaning that deterrence is at its lowest level possible in view of the strategic context. The current processes for the renewal of these forces are in line with this approach.

The FOST, a key component of the deterrence manœuvre
The French Navy deploys the oceanic deterrence component, referred to as the FOST (Force Océanique STratégique) using SSBNs and transmission centres. It also maintains the nuclear aeronaval force embarked on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier (called FANU), while the French Air Force is responsible for the strategic air forces.

Today, the fleet of 4 SSBNs ensures that 3 can be maintained in the operational cycle and continuously guarantee there is at least one SSBN at sea during peacetime.

New Generation French SLBM M51. Picture: French MoD

Ensuring the sustainability of the nuclear deterrent
The White Paper of 2013 on defence and national security and the Military Programme Law 2014-2019 have reaffirmed the central position of the oceanic component. The White Paper defined a step towards the 2025 armed forces model with the pursuit of the modernisation of the two deterrence components and the preparation of their renewal. On the one hand, the adaptation of two of the four 2nd generation SSBNs for the use of the M51 missile and, on the other hand, the start of work to design the 3rd generation SSBN intended to replace them beyond 2030 and the development of the future version of the M51.3 missile. This work follows on from the preliminary studies of the so-called FMOD (future oceanic deterrence system). The challenge is to ensure the upkeep of the deterrence capacities, and therefore their credibility, over the period 2030-2080.

French Navy Le Triomphant-class SSBN Le Téméraire. Picture: DCNS

Independence and autonomy of design, production, deployment and maintenance of the deterrence capacity
The industrial sector, with DCNS as prime contractor, has an essential role in maintaining the scientific, technological and industrial potential that has for the last 5 decades allowed France to form part of the restricted circle of States possessing the capacity to design, produce and operate SSBNs. The White Paper of 2013 described this as follows: ‘‘This is a prerequisite to guaranteeing the supply security of sovereignty capacities and critical weapons systems, and their modification to suit operational needs’’.

The major milestones for the equipment appropriations dedicated to deterrence
In the 1960s: nuclear-related appropriations represent a little over 50% of appropriations or 0.17% of GDP (historical high point)
In the 1980s-1990s: 30%
2001: 18% (low point)
2001-2015: increase to 21-23% in relation to the new M51 missile and the construction of the SSBN Le Terrible in the version M51.1 + the adaptation ROH
(Source: French Ministry of Defence, 2015)

¹Study published in October 2016 (in French)
²Discontinuation of the surface/surface component then reduction of the oceanic (downsized from 6 to 4 SSBNs) and airborne forces

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