Macron observes test of new nuclear-capable missile without warhead

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1. 51m ago

   France tests upgraded nuclear-capable M51.3 missile

   France successfully test-fired an upgraded nuclear-capable M51.3 ballistic missile from a submarine on October 6, 2026. The missile was launched from the Le Vigilant submarine off Brittany and impacted in the North Atlantic, hundreds of kilometers from any coastline. French President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the firing from a French warship. The test was conducted without a warhead.

   Why it matters

   This test comes amid heightened tensions between France and Russia. The missile is a variant of France's M51 missile and is part of France's nuclear deterrent program. The test demonstrates France's capability to launch nuclear-capable missiles from submarines.

   What is confirmed

   • The missile was launched from the Le Vigilant submarine off Brittany.
   • The missile impacted in the North Atlantic, hundreds of kilometers from any coastline.
   • French President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the firing from a French warship.
   • The test was conducted without a warhead.
   • The missile is a variant of France's M51 missile.

   What to watch next

   • Russia's response to the missile test
   • Future tests of the M51.3 missile
   • Impact on France's nuclear deterrent program
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. Reuters — France tests upgraded nuclear missile against backdrop of Russia tensions
   2. militarnyi.com — France Prepares First M51.3 Ballistic Missile Launch in Three Years
   3. navalnews.com — French Navy Conducts Acceptance Firing of M51.3 missile From Le Vigilant SSBN
   4. France 24 — Macron observes test of new nuclear-capable missile without warhead
   5. Defense News — France fires upgraded nuclear-capable missile from submarine for first time
   6. Euronews.com — France test-fires new nuclear-capable missile from submarine for first time
   7. Le Monde.fr — Macron makes unexpected appearance at missile test launch from nuclear submarine
   8. Reuters — Kremlin says France's test nuclear launch is part of 'dead end' anti-Russia strategy
   9. The Independent — Ukraine war live: Kremlin responds to France testing upgraded nuclear weapon
   10. sonar21.com — By Netanyahu’s Own Math, Gaza Is 3,900 September 11ths
   11. www.defensenews.com — France fires upgraded nuclear-capable missile from submarine for first time - Defense News
   12. www.robmaness.com — France Fires Upgraded Nuclear Capable M51 from Submarine in Major First - Rob Maness
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