Missile Pluton

The Pluton was developed to replace the United States-built Honest John missile, serving as the tactical component of French nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. The system entered service in 1974.

The missile utilized a single-stage solid engine and an inertial guidance system. It was launched from a transporter erector launcher platform integrated onto an AMX-30 tank chassis. The system was designed for deployment in difficult conditions. Target data was provided by CT-20 drones prior to launch. Available warheads included a conventional high-explosive version and nuclear options with yields of 15 kilotons or 25 kilotons.

The French Army was the sole operator of the system, which was deployed across multiple artillery regiments and maintenance battalions. Limitations in its operational reach led to the development of the Hadès missile. A projected update, the Super-Pluton, was canceled in favor of the Hadès program. The Pluton was gradually phased out and reached full retirement in 1993.