Archive · 7 Oct 2026
France's M51.3 Test Draws Kremlin Criticism Amid Tensions
France tested a new version of a missile that can be launched from a submarine.
The submarine Le Vigilant fired it off France's western coast.
The missile had no warhead or other payload and travelled toward a designated area in the North Atlantic.
France said the test checked that the submarine could use the missile after major maintenance.
President Emmanuel Macron said the test showed that France's nuclear deterrent remains credible.
Russia's Kremlin spokesman criticised the test and said countries should use dialogue instead of showing military strength.
The test happened during tensions over the war in Ukraine and European security.
France says it has 290 nuclear weapons that can be launched from submarines and aircraft.
France conducted the first test launch of its upgraded M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile from the submarine Le Vigilant.
The missile carried no payload or nuclear warhead and was fired off France's western coast toward a designated area in the North Atlantic.
The test followed major maintenance work on Le Vigilant and was intended to certify the submarine's ability to deploy the missile.
President Emmanuel Macron called the launch a demonstration of France's nuclear deterrent; the Kremlin said such displays deepen confrontation and urged dialogue.
The test took place amid heightened tensions over Ukraine, European security and nuclear deterrence.
- Who
- France conducted the test; President Emmanuel Macron and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on it.
- What
- The first test launch of the upgraded M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile.
- When
- The launch took place Tuesday; the Kremlin's criticism was reported Wednesday. No calendar date is specified.
- Where
- Off France's western coast, near Brittany; the missile travelled toward a designated area in the North Atlantic.
- Why
- The test was intended to certify Le Vigilant's ability to deploy the missile after major maintenance and to demonstrate the credibility of France's nuclear deterrent.
France's view
Kremlin's view
Meaning of the missile test
France's view
Macron described the launch as a clear message and a demonstration of the credibility and continued viability of France's nuclear deterrent.
Kremlin's view
Peskov said Russia understood Paris's message but viewed the test as part of Europe's growing militarisation and confrontation with Russia.
Approach to security disputes
France's view
Macron presented military strength as necessary for France's security and deterrent.
Kremlin's view
Peskov said problems should be addressed through dialogue rather than demonstrative missile launches.
- Missile
- M51.3, an upgraded submarine-launched strategic ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead
- Test payload
- No payload or nuclear warhead was carried
- Submarine
- Le Vigilant, a French nuclear-powered submarine
- Test purpose
- Certify the submarine's ability to deploy the missile after major maintenance
- French nuclear arsenal
- 290 submarine- and air-launched weapons
- French missile submarines
- France operates four ballistic missile submarines
- Kremlin response
- Dmitry Peskov called the path of confrontation a dead end and advocated dialogue
