France test-fires modernized M51.3 nuclear missile; Macron says 'we are stronger'
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France has confirmed the operational readiness of its nuclear submarine 'Le Vigilant' by test-firing the modernized M51.3 intercontinental ballistic missile off the coast of Brittany. The test, conducted without a nuclear warhead and in compliance with international obligations, aimed to verify the submarine's readiness after extensive maintenance. The launch occurs amid heightened tensions with Russia, following President Vladimir Putin's threat to use nuclear weapons to defend the exclave of Kaliningrad. NATO has stated its activities pose no threat to Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron called the test a clear signal, stating in a video on X: 'Today we are stronger.' He added, 'To be free, one must be feared. And to be feared, one must be powerful.' Macron had announced in March plans to expand France's nuclear arsenal and offered European partners closer cooperation on nuclear deterrence. France possesses approximately 290 nuclear warheads, the fourth-largest arsenal globally, compared to the UK's 225 and the US and Russia's over 5,000 each.
Source report
Macron announced in March the expansion of the nation's nuclear arsenal. Source: Yoan Valat/Pool EPA/AP/dpa
France has confirmed the operational readiness of the nuclear submarine Le Vigilant following the launch of an M51.3 intercontinental ballistic missile. The test is intended to send a clear signal.
Test Details
France has tested its modernized submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time. The M51.3 missile was launched from the nuclear submarine Le Vigilant off the coast of Brittany, the Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday in Paris.
The test was conducted to confirm the submarine's operational readiness after extensive maintenance. The ministry emphasized that the launch was carried out without a nuclear warhead and in strict compliance with international obligations.
Geopolitical Context
The test took place against a backdrop of heightened tensions with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently threatened to defend the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad with nuclear weapons if necessary. NATO, for its part, stated that none of its activities pose a threat to Russia.
Macron's Response
French President Emmanuel Macron described the missile test as a clear signal.
"Today we are stronger," he said in a video posted on platform X, showing him observing the launch. "The message has been sent loudly and clearly to where it needs to be received."
He added: "To be free, one must be feared. And to be feared, one must be powerful."
Macron announced in March that France would expand its nuclear arsenal and offered European partners closer cooperation on nuclear deterrence.
France's Nuclear Arsenal
France possesses approximately 290 nuclear warheads, making it the fourth-largest nuclear arsenal in the world. For comparison:
- United Kingdom: 225 nuclear warheads
- United States: More than 5,000
- Russia: More than 5,000
Source
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