Missile m4

The M4 is a French strategic ballistic missile deployed on nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) of the Le Redoutable class from 1985 to 1996. It is the first French missile to carry several nuclear warheads, with six warheads of 150 kilotons each, and a range of 5,000 kilometers.

Its development began in 1973 and it entered service under the presidency of Alain Poher in 1977. The M4, characterized by three stages, is significantly larger and heavier than its predecessor, the M20.

It equips the last five submarines of the Le Redoutable class, gradually replacing the M20s. An improved variant, the M45, succeeded it from 1996.