France test-fires new nuclear-capable missile without warhead carried

France on Tuesday test-fired a strategic ballistic missile without a nuclear warhead from a submarine off the coast of Finistere in western France, French media reported.

The missile was launched from the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Le Vigilant and landed in the North Atlantic Ocean, several hundred kilometers from any coast, French news channel BFM TV reported, citing French Ministry of Armed Forces.

The ministry emphasized that the test was conducted without a nuclear warhead and in strict compliance with France's international commitments.

French President Emmanuel Macron observed the test firing from a French Navy frigate, it reported.

In service since October 2025, the M51.3 missile has been deployed on France's four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, with at least one submarine continuously at sea somewhere in the world to ensure France's ability to launch a nuclear strike at any time, BFM TV reported, citing French Ministry of Armed Forces.

(Cover: Members of the French Navy stand on the topside of a submarine ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the Nuclear Submarine Navy Base of Ile Longue in Crozon, northwestern France, March 2, 2026. /VCG)