France has successfully test-fired an M51.3 long-range ballistic missile, a major step forward in bolstering the credibility of its nuclear deterrent capabilities. This remarkable feat was announced on Sunday by the French defense ministry.
The missile, which did not carry a nuclear warhead, was launched from the French military’s Biscarosse missile test site in southwestern France. It flew through the skies and landed precisely in the North Atlantic, hundreds of kilometers from any coast. This successful test launch reaffirms France’s commitment to maintaining a robust and credible nuclear deterrent in the face of evolving global security challenges.
The Ministry of Defense proudly stated that the flight of the M51.3 missile confirmed significant improvements, ensuring the lasting credibility of France’s ocean deterrence in the coming decades. In light of the current international environment, with heightened tensions and the threat of nuclear proliferation, France recognizes the vital importance of maintaining the operational credibility of its nuclear arsenal.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, President Vladimir Putin’s repeated warnings about the potential use of nuclear weapons to defend Russia have raised concerns around the world. In response, France is taking proactive steps to safeguard its national security and deter potential adversaries.
The M51.3 missile represents an advanced upgrade of the M51, a three-stage strategic sea-to-land ballistic missile designed for launch from French Navy submarines. Since its first test launch from a land base in 2006 and subsequent launch from a submarine in 2010, the M51 has proven to be a reliable and effective component of the French nuclear deterrent.
The new M51.3 missile, expected to enter service around 2025, is the result of cutting-edge engineering by aerospace firm ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus and French defense group Safran. Ballistic missiles such as the M51.3 use an elliptical trajectory, launching into lower space before returning to Earth, unlike cruise missiles, which maintain low-altitude flight paths driven by continuous thrust .
This successful test launch underscores France’s commitment to maintaining a state-of-the-art military arsenal capable of safeguarding its national interests and contributing to global security. As the world watches with bated breath, France is emerging as a formidable force in the realm of nuclear deterrence, demonstrating its determination to navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of international security.
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