It was launched from the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Le Vigilant off the coast of Finistere.
On Tuesday, France conducted the first test launch of a next-generation M51.3 intercontinental ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine off the coast of Finistere.
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“This technical success is a new demonstration of the credibility of our deterrence, whose continuity is assured. To be free, one must be feared. And to be feared, one must be powerful… “Very few nations possess such expertise. Our nuclear deterrence protects us and will continue to protect us,” French President Emmanuel Macron said from the frigate Auvergne, from which he witnessed the launch.
The missile, launched without a nuclear warhead from the nuclear-powered submarine Le Vigilant, was fired as part of the SMERTRIOS operation to test the submarine’s ability to employ the M51 after its maintenance and repair period, the Ministry of the Armed Forces said.
“This launch demonstrates the excellence of our defense system and the technologies developed by our industry in support of the credibility of our nuclear deterrence,” Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said.
President Macron observed the inaugural successful test launch of France’s advanced M51.3 ballistic missile from the nuclear submarine Le Vigilant.
Investments begun in 2017 doubled the defense budget and advanced the construction of next-gen submarines.pic.twitter.com/8xjFIRzVNO
— Global Watch (@Globalwatchh) October 6, 2026
The M51.3, which fell into the North Atlantic several hundred kilometers from any coast, is the third version of the M51 sea-to-land strategic ballistic missile and entered operational service on Oct. 24, 2025.
The new version offers greater range, accuracy and the ability to overcome missile defenses, and is intended to maintain the deterrence capability of the French nuclear submarine fleet as potential adversaries’ defenses evolve.
Minister Vautrin specified that there had been a “qualification firing in November 2023,” but that this launch was the first conducted from a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SNLE).
The launch as a validation of the operational capability of the Le Vigilant weapons system and highlighted the role of French industry in developing the technologies used in nuclear deterrence.
The M51 constitutes the maritime component of France’s nuclear force, which Paris considers essential to ensuring its long-term deterrence capability.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE
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