France's Defense Ministry announced on 6/10 that a nuclear-capable M51.3 ballistic missile was fired from the nuclear-powered submarine Le Vigilant off the Brittany coast. The missile landed in the North Atlantic, hundreds of kilometers offshore.

"The launch was conducted without a nuclear warhead and strictly adhered to France's international commitments," the statement said.

This marked the first test launch of the M51.3 ballistic missile from a submarine. According to the French Defense Ministry, the operation aimed to certify the Le Vigilant's weapon deployment capability following major maintenance.

The ministry stated the test "once again demonstrated the excellence of the high-tech solutions employed by French industry in the field of nuclear deterrence."

French President Emmanuel Macron stated he oversaw the launch from the multi-mission frigate Auvergne.

"Today we are stronger. The message has been sent clearly and strongly to where it needs to be received," the French president declared in the video showing him witnessing the test.

Although Macron did not name anyone specifically, his statement comes amid rising tensions in Europe. The French president warned that the nature of "aggressive and threatening actions" from Russia against Europe has changed, following a series of alleged hybrid attacks attributed to Moscow.

Hybrid attacks encompass sabotage, disinformation, espionage, and cyberattacks.

In september, Macron declared these actions "cannot go unanswered." This year, President Macron also proposed that European countries participate in France's "advanced" nuclear deterrence framework, as France is the only European Union member possessing nuclear weapons.

NATO and Moscow have also recently faced tensions over Russia's exclave of Kaliningrad. Moscow sent a diplomatic note late last month, stating its readiness to use nuclear weapons if NATO attempts to blockade Kaliningrad. This comes as the alliance has conducted military exercises along the border with the territory in recent months.

The M51 ballistic missile is launched. Photo: French Army

The M51.3 is the latest variant of the M51 ballistic missile, entering French military service in 10/2025 as part of efforts to modernize its nuclear deterrence capabilities. While Paris has not disclosed the M51.3's exact range, the M51 missile series is estimated to have a range of 9,000 km or more. French officials indicate the new variant can fly farther.

By Pham Giang (AFP, Reuters)