France tests M51 ballistic missile with Macron on board

France carried out a test launch of its newest-generation M51 sea-based ballistic missile: the missile, without a nuclear warhead, was launched from the country's territorial waters and flew about 4,000 kilometers over the Atlantic Ocean. The test was conducted in strict compliance with France's international obligations, and the launch was personally observed by President Emmanuel Macron — the first time a French leader has watched the launch of an intercontinental missile from a submarine while aboard a navy frigate.

Macron on nuclear deterrence

According to the newspaper Le Parisien, Macron called the test proof of the reliability of France's nuclear deterrent: “This technical success is further confirmation of the reliability of our deterrent, whose continued viability is guaranteed”, the president said.

The M51 missile and its maker

France put the new version of the M51 missile into service in 2025, calling the upgrade an important step in strengthening the naval component of its nuclear deterrent. The missiles for the French navy are designed and built by ArianeGroup. The first version of the M51 entered service in 2010, replacing the older M45 missile.

Specifications and scale of the project

Each missile can carry six to ten nuclear warheads, each capable of being aimed at a separate target. The missile's range reaches 10,000 kilometers. According to RBC-Ukraine, the project involved 6,000 engineers, technicians and other specialists from more than 900 French industrial companies.

Source: novinky.cz