The upgraded version of the M51 missile launched for the first time from a submarine.

Reference News Network, October 10 report According to the U.S. Defense News weekly website on October 7, France conducted its first test launch of the upgraded M51 strategic ballistic missile from a submarine on the 6th. French President Macron stated that this capability demonstration is "very important" for the country's strategic credibility and will be closely monitored by allies and adversaries.

The French Ministry of Defense issued a statement saying that the "Le Téméraire" nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine launched an M51.3 missile during acceptance testing after a major overhaul. The Ministry stated that the missile, which was not carrying a nuclear warhead, was launched from the coast of Finistère in western France and fell into the North Atlantic.

France has upgraded the M51 missile manufactured by the Ariane Group as part of a broader modernization effort of its nuclear deterrent capabilities. Related efforts also include the construction of new ballistic missile submarines and future upgrades to the "Rafale" fighter jets to carry hypersonic nuclear cruise missiles.

Macron told military personnel aboard a French Navy vessel: "This is a very important moment for our strategic credibility. Everything that has happened recently and what is happening today will be closely watched by our allies and competitors, and it already is. This is a step forward on the path we have set."

The backdrop to France's efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal is its collaboration with several European allies on the "forward deterrence" plan proposed by Macron. This proposal may involve expanding the coverage of France's "nuclear umbrella" to these allies, although the details remain vague at this time.

The French Ministry of Defense told reporters that France's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines conduct acceptance tests of the M51 after each major overhaul.

The Ariane Group and the French Directorate General of Armaments completed the first test launch of the modernized M51 missile in 2023 at a launch site in Biscarrosse, southwestern France. This new missile was commissioned last October.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists reported that the latest M51.3 variant has an estimated range of over 9,500 kilometers. The publication stated that this missile can carry 4 to 6 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles.

Although the official range of the missile has not been disclosed, the Ariane Group stated that the M51 can reach an altitude of over 2,000 kilometers before reentering the atmosphere at a speed of 20 Mach.

The French Ministry of Defense stated that the missile can be equipped with the new TNO-2 nuclear warhead, which offers better performance in range, accuracy, and penetration capability. The M51 missile weighs over 50 tons, and each of France's four ballistic missile submarines can carry 16 of these missiles.

The Ministry stated: "The M51.3 missile ensures that the sea-based nuclear deterrent maintains long-term credibility in the face of adversaries' evolving missile defense systems. This reflects the President's commitment to maintaining the operational credibility of nuclear forces at the level required by the international environment."

The first version of the M51 missile was launched from the Biscarrosse launch site in 2006, and it was first launched by a submarine—the "Le Terrible" nuclear submarine—in January 2010. The Ministry stated that the launch on the 6th was the seventh launch of the M51 variant by a French submarine and the 13th launch of this type of missile, all of which "certainly did not carry nuclear warheads."

According to a report by AFP on October 7, the Kremlin stated on the 7th that France's test launch of a missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead indicates that Europe is militarizing. The Kremlin also stated that Russia is closely monitoring the situation.

French President Macron described the test as successful and stated in a video that it sent a "strong and clear" message.

When asked about Macron's remarks, Kremlin spokesman Peskov told reporters: "This is the idea of Europe being obsessed with militarization."

He said: "Against the backdrop of such provocative actions and plans, Russia remains vigilant. We are closely monitoring all of this."

Tensions are escalating between Russia and Ukraine's European allies (including France) over the issue of the war in Ukraine.

NATO accuses Russia of escalating hybrid warfare against Kyiv's European supporters. Moscow denies these accusations. (Translation/ Qiu Fang)