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Macron observes test of new nuclear-capable missile without warhead

France 24 • October 6, 2026 • world

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France successfully test-fired its new M51.3 nuclear-capable ballistic missile from the Le Vigilant submarine off Brittany, marking the first such launch of this missile variant without a warhead.
The missile impacted in the North Atlantic, hundreds of kilometers from any coastline, with the launch witnessed by President Emmanuel Macron aboard a French warship.
The test comes amid heightened tensions following Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning against Western threats over the Kaliningrad exclave, though NATO maintains its activities do not threaten Russia.
Macron emphasized France's strengthened nuclear deterrent and reiterated plans to expand the arsenal, including joint exercises and potential deployment of nuclear-capable assets with European partners.
The M51.3 missile, part of France's nuclear modernization, reportedly has a range of around 9,000 km or more, contributing to France's status as the holder of the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal.

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