France conducts first submarine launch of M51.3 missile

France’s defence ministry said it had conducted the first submarine launch of the M51.3, a new version of the country’s submarine-launched ballistic missile, from Le Vigilant off Brittany. The missile carried no nuclear warhead or other payload. The test was part of certifying the submarine’s ability to deploy the weapon after a major maintenance refit, the ministry said. The ministry said the launch complied with France’s international obligations. President Emmanuel Macron watched the test and described it as a demonstration of the credibility of France’s nuclear deterrent. The announcement did not explicitly refer to Russia, although the test took place amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Western countries. The launch was the first firing of the M51.3 from a submarine. The missile is the latest version of France’s sea-based ballistic missile system, which is carried by the country’s four ballistic-missile submarines. The sources describe the test as completing Le Vigilant’s requalification following its refit. France has not disclosed the M51.3’s range or detailed test performance. French officials have said the new version can travel farther than earlier versions.