With Macron on a warship: France launches missile with nuclear capability

France conducted its first test launch from a submarine of the new version of the M51.3 intercontinental ballistic missile, which can carry a nuclear warhead. President Macron watched the launch from the deck of a warship. The test was carried out against the backdrop of growing tensions with Russia and Macron's warnings about hybrid attacks.

France conducted this morning (Tuesday) its first test launch from a submarine of the new version of the M51.3 intercontinental ballistic missile, which can carry a nuclear warhead. President Emmanuel Macron watched the launch from the deck of a warship off the coast of Brittany. The missile, which did not carry a warhead, was launched from the nuclear submarine 'Le Vigilant' and landed in the North Atlantic Ocean. This is a new version of the M51 missile, which entered service a year ago, and is 'better in range, accuracy, and penetration capability' than its predecessors. It is 12 meters long, weighs more than 50 tons, and can carry several nuclear warheads and hit a target at a distance of up to 10,000 kilometers. The test was intended to verify that the submarine can operate the missile after a maintenance period. The test was conducted against the backdrop of growing tensions in Europe, after Macron warned of a change in the nature of 'Russian aggression and threats' and promised that hybrid attacks 'will not remain unanswered.' In March, Macron announced a change in nuclear doctrine, 'forward deterrence,' which includes increasing the arsenal for the first time since 1992 and inviting European countries to participate in nuclear exercises.