France Tests M51.3 Missile as Kremlin Criticizes Launch

France has demonstrated its upgraded submarine-based nuclear deterrent with the first announced underwater launch of an M51.3 ballistic missile, completing a major test following the overhaul of its nuclear-powered submarine Le Vigilant. The missile was launched off Finistère on October 6, 2026, and landed in the North Atlantic without a nuclear warhead, according to France's Ministry of the Armed Forces. The test also drew criticism from Moscow over Europe's expanding military capabilities.

The launch served as an acceptance test to verify the submarine's ability to deploy its strategic missile after extensive maintenance. President Emmanuel Macron watched the operation from the French Navy frigate Auvergne, while France's Directorate General for Armament tracked the missile's flight, according to Autonocion.

The French government has presented the M51.3 as an important component of its long-term nuclear modernization program. Macron described the test as a milestone for the country's strategic standing.

“This is a very important moment for our strategic credibility,” Macron told troops aboard the French Navy vessel from which he observed the launch.

The president also emphasized the international attention surrounding France's military decisions.

“Everything that has happened recently and what is happening today will be closely scrutinized by both our allies and our competitors alike, and it already is. Along the course we have set, this is a step forward,” Macron said.

According to the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the M51.3 improves the missile's range, accuracy, and ability to penetrate defenses. The ministry also identified the introduction of the TNO-2 oceanic nuclear warhead as part of the updated system's capabilities.

“The M51.3 ensures the long-term credibility of the ocean-based component in the face of evolving adversary missile defenses,” the ministry said.

The ministry linked the upgrade to France's broader commitment to maintaining its strategic forces as international security conditions evolve.

“It reflects the commitment of the President of the Republic to maintaining operational credibility of the nuclear forces over the long term, at the level required by the international environment,” the ministry said.

France has four ballistic-missile submarines, each capable of carrying 16 M51 missiles, according to Defense News. The M51.3 is estimated by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to have a range exceeding 9,500 kilometers, compared with more than 9,000 kilometers for its predecessor. France has not officially disclosed the missile's operational range.

The latest launch followed a substantial overhaul of Le Vigilant. Naval Group said the maintenance program began about three years earlier and included 18 months in dry dock at the Brest naval base, hundreds of system upgrades, and approximately 4 million hours of work. The submarine returned to Île Longue for its final preparation before the acceptance test.

France's M51 modernization is part of a wider nuclear deterrence strategy that includes developing new ballistic-missile submarines and plans to upgrade the Rafale fighter jet to carry a future hypersonic nuclear cruise missile. Macron has also promoted closer coordination with European allies through a proposed policy of extending French nuclear deterrence beyond national territory.

Russian officials responded to the October 6 launch by criticizing what they described as a confrontational approach to European security. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking as cited by Interfax and reported by European Pravda, characterized the demonstration as a “loud and clear message.”

Peskov argued that diplomatic engagement should take precedence over public demonstrations of military capability.

“any problems should be resolved through dialogue rather than demonstrative missile launches,” Peskov said.

He also criticized the European Union's efforts to strengthen its defense identity, claiming that the bloc was building its security policy around opposition to Russia.

“This is bad because they are building their identity in the field of defence and security on the basis of confrontation with the Russian Federation. This is a dead end. As history shows, this leads to nothing good,” Peskov said.

The Kremlin spokesman added that Moscow was following developments in European defense planning.

“monitoring all such plans and actions,” Peskov said.

France's nuclear policy debate has expanded alongside these modernization efforts. In March 2026, Macron outlined a deterrence concept that could involve French nuclear assets being deployed on allied territory, although the details of such arrangements remain unsettled, according to European Pravda.

The M51 program has undergone testing since its early development. France conducted the first M51 flight from the Biscarrosse launch site in 2006, followed by its first submarine launch aboard Le Terrible in January 2010. ArianeGroup and the Directorate General for Armament tested the modernized M51.3 from a land-based launch site in 2023, and the variant entered operational service in October 2025, according to Defense News.

The October 6 firing was the seventh launch of an M51 variant from a French submarine and the 13th launch of the missile overall, the Ministry of the Armed Forces said. All previous and current test launches were conducted without nuclear warheads.