France has carried out the first submarine-based test launch of its new M51.3 nuclear-capable ballistic missile, a move that President Emmanuel Macron said underscores the credibility of the country's independent nuclear deterrent. The unarmed missile was fired on Tuesday from the nuclear-powered submarine Le Vigilant off the coast of Brittany and splashed down in the North Atlantic, hundreds of kilometres from any coastline, according to the French defence ministry.
Macron, who observed the launch from the frigate Auvergne, shared a video of the event on X, writing: "To be free, one must be feared. And to be feared, one must be powerful." He added that the technical success "further demonstrates the credibility of our nuclear deterrent, whose long-term viability is assured."
A signal to adversaries
The test comes at a time of heightened security concerns across Europe. In recent weeks, Macron has warned of a shift in "Russian aggression and threats" against European countries, following a series of hybrid attacks that Western officials have attributed to Moscow. In mid-September, he vowed that such attacks would "not go unanswered."
The M51.3 is the latest iteration of France's submarine-launched ballistic missile, designed to extend the range and accuracy of the country's sea-based nuclear force. The missile is intended to replace older versions and will be deployed on France's fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, which form the backbone of the country's strategic deterrent.
The defence ministry said the test was conducted "in strict compliance with France's international commitments," a reference to arms control treaties and France's policy of maintaining a nuclear arsenal at a level strictly necessary for its security.
France is the only European Union member state with its own nuclear weapons, and its deterrent is a pillar of its defence strategy. The test also carries symbolic weight at a time when France's domestic political and economic challenges have raised questions about its ability to sustain military spending. The country has pledged to increase its defence budget, but fiscal pressures have led to austerity measures in other areas.
The launch also comes as European allies debate the future of continental security, with some calling for a more integrated European defence posture. France has long insisted on the independence of its nuclear forces, a stance that has sometimes created friction with NATO partners. However, the test is likely to be seen as a reassurance of France's commitment to its own security and, by extension, to the stability of the wider European region.
Analysts note that the M51.3 programme is part of a broader modernisation of France's nuclear triad, which also includes air-launched missiles. The successful test is a significant milestone, but further trials will be needed before the missile is declared fully operational.
The timing of the launch, with its pointed presidential message, is unlikely to be coincidental. It sends a clear signal to both domestic audiences and external observers that France retains a credible and modern nuclear capability, even as it navigates a complex geopolitical landscape.
