France conducted the first test launch of its latest M51.3 ballistic missile from the nuclear-powered submarine Le Vigilant. The missile was not carrying a nuclear warhead, and the test took place amid growing tensions between Russia and NATO countries over the war against Ukraine.
Reuters reports this.
The missile was launched off the coast of Brittany as part of the certification of the Le Vigilant submarine following major maintenance. France’s Ministry of Defence stressed that the test was conducted without a warhead and in compliance with international obligations.
French President Emmanuel Macron watched the launch from aboard the multi-mission frigate Auvergne.
“Today we are stronger. The message has been sent loud and clear — wherever it needs to be heard,” Macron said.
In his post on X, the French president described the test as confirmation of the credibility of the country’s nuclear deterrent.
“To be free, you must be feared. And to be feared, you must be powerful,” Macron said.
He noted that France has been modernizing its strategic forces since 2017. Over ten years, the country’s defence budget is set to double, new strategic submarines are already under construction, and this year Paris also launched a program to develop maneuverable hypersonic strategic missiles for the airborne component of its nuclear deterrent.
The test took place shortly after Vladimir Putin warned the West of possible escalation in the event of a threat to Kaliningrad. Moscow has said it is prepared to defend the Russian exclave, including with nuclear weapons.
The M51.3 is the latest version of France’s sea-based strategic missile, which entered service in October 2025. Paris does not disclose the missile’s official range, but publicly available estimates for the M51 family put it at around 9,000 kilometers or more.
France’s nuclear deterrent is based on sea- and air-launched components. The backbone of the sea-based force consists of four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
According to Reuters, France has around 290 nuclear warheads and spends approximately €5.6 billion a year maintaining its nuclear arsenal.
