The M51 missile, capable of carrying six nuclear warheads, is to replace from 2010 the M45 missile on four nuclear-armed submarines in the strategic ocean force capable of launching new-generation missiles.

The M51 missiles has greater range and accuracy than the M45.

The order was placed with a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, EADS Space Transportation, which will work with the Snecma Propulsion group and SNPE Materiaux.

The contracts are expected to provide work to 1,200 people for 10 years.

In July French prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin justified the M51 programme, saying: "The nuclear deterrent remains the fundamental element of French independence. The M51 missiles fired from a submarine will be at the forefront of modern technology."

The cost of producing the missiles is 3.0 billion euros and the total cost of developing the programme is 5.0 billion euros, the defence ministry has said.

The ministry has not said how many missiles will be produced, although each submarine can be armed with 16 missiles as well as replacements.

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