France Tests Upgraded M51.3 Missile Amid Russia Tensions

France conducted the first test launch of its M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile on October 6, 2026 from the nuclear submarine Le Vigilant off Brittany. The missile carried no nuclear warhead. President Emmanuel Macron watched from the frigate Auvergne, posted video on X, and said France was stronger and a clear message had been sent for wherever it must be received. He thanked the DGA, CEA, ArianeGroup, Naval Group and the French Navy, saying very few nations possess such expertise and that to be free one must be feared and to be feared one must be powerful. The M51.3 entered service on October 24, 2025 as the third version of the M51 family. The launch followed Le Vigilant's major maintenance, was monitored by ship Monge, and targeted a North Atlantic zone several hundred kilometers from the nearest coast. France said it complied with international obligations. Outlets link the timing to Russia tensions and a prior Putin warning over Kaliningrad; French statements did not mention Russia. Range estimates for the M51 family vary between about 9,000 km or more and 8,000-10,000 km; France has not disclosed the M51.3 range. France has an estimated 290 nuclear warheads.