France and Germany Advance Plans for New Land-Based Ballistic Missile System

Franco-German Initiative for European Deep Strike Capability

France and Germany are advancing plans for the development of a new land-based ballistic missile system, a joint effort aimed at bolstering European defense and establishing sovereign 'deep strike' capabilities. Aerospace manufacturer ArianeGroup is at the forefront of this initiative, engaging in discussions with both the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and the German government.

The proposed weapon system is designed to strike targets at ranges between 1,000 and 3,000 kilometers, with European leaders expected to determine the precise range requirements. A key feature of the missile will be its utilization of hypersonic warhead technology, intended to evade modern air defenses.

Leveraging Existing Expertise and Addressing Capability Gaps

ArianeGroup, known for its role as the prime contractor for Europe's Ariane rockets and France's strategic nuclear arsenal, plans to leverage its existing industrial base and expertise. The new land-based system would reportedly adapt technology from the M51 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), which forms the backbone of France's nuclear deterrent, but would be configured for conventional (non-nuclear) warheads.

This development addresses a critical capability gap identified by NATO allies: the absence of a European-made, long-range conventional weapon capable of striking deep within adversary territory. Vincent Pery, ArianeGroup's Director of Defence Programs, confirmed that the company is holding 'preliminary discussions with several countries' regarding the integration of such a ballistic capability into the current geopolitical landscape.

Strategic Context and Funding

The initiative comes amid a reevaluation of European military strategies following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the increased use of ballistic missiles in conflicts. French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized Europe's need for comparable tools to maintain credible deterrence, stating, 'We are within range of these missiles.'

France's proposed defense budget includes a significant allocation of up to €1 billion for the development of a ground-based ballistic missile program, with approximately €900 million earmarked for 2026. An initial tranche of €15.6 million will fund a feasibility study for the project, tentatively referred to as the Missile Balistique Terrestre (MBT) in French defense circles.

European Collaboration and Future Outlook

The MBT was showcased with models at the June 2025 Paris Air Show, and there are suggestions it could be proposed as part of the European Long-range Strike Approach (ELSA) framework. ELSA, established in 2024, involves France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, aiming to jointly develop indigenous long-range strike capabilities. Development and production of the new weapon are expected to span several years.