The unarmed M51.3 missile was launched from the submarine Le Vigilant off the coast of Finistère, returning the vessel to active service after 3 years of maintenance. The weapon traveled 4,700 km into the North Atlantic, distinguishng the test from a 2023 land-based qualification launch. Macron announced that the defense budget will double over 10 years and noted the current development of hypersonic maneuvering missiles for the aerospace deterrent.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Macron Links Power to Deterrence at First M51.3 Sub Launch
Geopolitics15 days ago
The French president viewed the operational test of a new nuclear-capable missile from the deck of the frigate Auvergne on Oct 6. Emmanuel Macron used the maiden submarine firing of the M51.3 ballistic missile to argue that France must be feared to remain free and powerful to be feared, asserting that the technical success of the trial validates the credibility and continuity of the nation's nuclear deterrence.
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