Submarine launch off Brittany

On Tuesday morning, the French Navy carried out a test firing of the updated M51.3 strategic ballistic missile from the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Le Vigilant. The submarine, which recently returned to active service following maintenance in dry dock, launched the unarmed projectile while submerged off the coast of Finistère in Brittany. The test was conducted under Operation Smertrios to validate the vessel's strategic weapon system. President Emmanuel Macron observed the launch from the deck of the multi-mission frigate Auvergne. The missile completed its trajectory and impacted an allocated zone in the North Atlantic, several hundred kilometres from any inhabited coastline. Following the operation, Macron commented on social media regarding France's strategic posture.

This technical success further demonstrates the credibility of our nuclear deterrence, whose long-term sustainability is guaranteed.

Technical capabilities of the M51.3

The M51.3 represents the third generation of France's sea-launched strategic ballistic missile system. The solid-fuel, three-stage rocket measures 12 metres in height and weighs more than 50 tonnes. After underwater expulsion, the missile ascends above an altitude of 2,000 kilometres, reaching well above low Earth orbit before re-entering the atmosphere. During its terminal descent phase, the warhead reaches a speed of Mach 20, approximately 20,000 kilometres per hour, designed to penetrate anti-missile defense shields. French defense ministry sources cited by Reuters indicate the missile possesses a range of roughly 10,000 kilometres, theoretically enabling it to reach any point across the territory of the Russian Federation, including the Far East. The French Ministry of the Armed Forces stated that the trial complied strictly with international commitments.

Kremlin reaction and political response

On Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to the French test, stating that Moscow had received France's message while accusing European leaders of pursuing an obsession with militarisation. Peskov argued that the European Union is attempting to transform from an economic bloc into a political-military alliance oriented around confrontation with Moscow. He added that while the Russian military remains vigilant and prepared to take necessary security steps, the Russian government prefers diplomatic resolution to military exercises.

They are building their identity in the field of defence and security on the basis of confrontation with the Russian Federation. This is a dead end path. As history shows, it leads to nothing good.

European security context

The test occurs during heightened security tensions in Europe, where several European governments have attributed ongoing hybrid attacks to Moscow. In previous statements, Russian President Vladimir Putin maintained that Russia has no intention of attacking other nations, while warning that Moscow would use all weapon types at its disposal if NATO forces attacked Russian territory. Additionally, Russian officials have issued warnings concerning the defense of mainland Russia and the Kaliningrad exclave. France remains the only nuclear-armed member state in the European Union holding sovereign deterrent capabilities.