France’s defence ministry said on Tuesday it had conducted the first test launch of its latest-generation M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile, underscoring its nuclear deterrent amid heightened tensions with Russia.
Macron said in March France would expand its nuclear arsenal and launched an initiative offering European partners joint exercises, the possible short-term deployment of nuclear-capable assets on allied territory and deeper consultation. “Today we are stronger. The M51.3 missile, which was not equipped with a nuclear warhead, was launched off the coast of Brittany as part of an operation to certify the nuclear-submarine Le Vigilant’s ability to deploy the weapon following a major maintenance overhaul, the ministry said in a statement.
It said the launch was conducted without a payload and in strict compliance with international obligations. The message has been sent loud and clear for wherever it must be received,” President Emmanuel Macron said in a video on X showing him watching the launch.
the test comes after President Vladimir Putin warned the West last week not to escalate a standoff over Ukraine by threatening the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which is wedged between EU members Poland and Lithuania and which Moscow has made clear it would defend with nuclear weapons if necessary While the announcement made no mention of Russia.
NATO has said none of its “exercises or activities pose a threat to the territory of the Russian Federation”. Putin also said Russia had no plans to attack any European country and wanted to coexist peacefully.
