France fires upgraded nuclear-capable missile from submarine for first time

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1. 1h ago

   France Fires Upgraded M51.3 Nuclear Missile From Submarine

   France test-fired an upgraded M51.3 nuclear-capable strategic ballistic missile from the Le Vigilant nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine for the first time. President Emmanuel Macron observed the weapons test from the deck of a frigate without a warhead attached to the projectile. The Ministry of Defence and the Elysee Palace confirmed the test launch occurred on Tuesday. The operation highlights France's nuclear deterrent capabilities amid rising tensions with Russia, following recent warnings from Paris concerning hybrid attacks.

   Why it matters

   The test underscores the ongoing modernization of the French nuclear deterrent, which relies on an estimated 290 nuclear warheads largely deployed via submarines. Moscow criticized the launch, labeling it part of a dead-end anti-Russia strategy. The demonstration follows recent remarks by Macron emphasizing that to be free, one must be feared, arriving weeks after he vowed that hybrid attacks blamed on Russia would not go unanswered.

   What is confirmed

   • France test-fired an upgraded M51.3 nuclear-capable strategic ballistic missile from a submarine for the first time on Tuesday.
   • President Emmanuel Macron observed the test firing from the deck of a frigate.
   • The test missile was fired without a warhead, according to the Elysee Palace and the Ministry of Defence.
   • The launch was conducted from the Le Vigilant nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.
   • France possesses an estimated 290 nuclear warheads, most of which are deployed from submarines.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Kremlin claimed the test launch is part of a dead-end anti-Russia strategy.

   What to watch next

   • Further official disclosures regarding the operational deployment timeline of the M51.3 missile across the French submarine fleet.
   • Additional diplomatic responses from Moscow or European allies concerning French nuclear posture adjustments.
   Sources used for this update (22)

   1. Reuters — France tests upgraded nuclear missile against backdrop of Russia tensions
   2. navalnews.com — French Navy Conducts Acceptance Firing of M51.3 missile From Le Vigilant SSBN
   3. France 24 — Macron observes test of new nuclear-capable missile without warhead
   4. Defense News — France fires upgraded nuclear-capable missile from submarine for first time
   5. Le Monde.fr — Macron makes unexpected appearance at missile test launch from nuclear submarine
   6. www.orfonline.org — Mapping Hydrogen Pathways: Progress and Potential for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman
   7. Reuters — Kremlin says France's test nuclear launch is part of 'dead end' anti-Russia strategy
   8. worldandnewworld.com — Germany’s Rearmament and the Future of European Defense
   9. ukdefencejournal.org.uk — French submarine fires new nuclear weapon - UK Defence Journal
   10. www.defensenews.com — France fires upgraded nuclear-capable missile from submarine for first time - Defense News
   11. interestingengineering.com — France's M51.3 nuclear-capable missile makes first submarine launch
   12. www.newsweek.com — France Tests New Nuclear-Capable Weapon
   confidence 100%