France has conducted the first test launch of its new M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile, with President Emmanuel Macron present for the test, the French Defense Ministry announced.
The missile was launched off the coast of Brittany without a nuclear warhead. The test was intended to verify the readiness of the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Le Vigilant to operate the new missile following a period of maintenance and modernization.
The French Defense Ministry said the missile was launched without a payload and that the test was carried out in full compliance with France’s international obligations.
Although Russia was not mentioned in the official announcement, the test came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Western countries against further escalation over the war in Ukraine, including remarks concerning Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave surrounded by Poland and Lithuania.
Macron said France was now stronger and that its message had been delivered “clearly and firmly.”
The M51.3 is part of France’s ongoing effort to modernize its nuclear deterrent, with the country maintaining a submarine-based component of its strategic nuclear forces.
